The Globlization Of International Relations1

Running head: THE GLOBALIZATION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1

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Assignment one

The author of the book “The globalization of international relations (IR)” has

explored various topics that explain what concerns cultures as well as people around the

globe. Complexity and scope that is brought about interactions and interrelations in

various states is very challenging to understand therefore requiring intensive analysis.

Basically, the phrase ‘international relations (IR)’ is that relationships that exist between

governments all over the world. This has called for the discussion of various topics that

will help understand what globalization and emergency of international relations is all

about.

Actors and Influences

International relations’ scope is explained through actors who influence various activities

along the globe. The core actors are governments in the world. Governments are bureaucratic in

nature and there exist big and small governments. The bigger the government the more influence

it has as far as international relations is concern and the smaller the government is the less

influence it has as far as international relations is concern. Other actors include citizens and

leaders, government ministries and agencies, multinational companies as well as terrorist

organizations though the major actor is state actors when explaining the global IR.

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State actors

By definition, a state is that territorial part that a given government controls and that has a

population that has inhibited it. Each state is differentiated from one another by use of borders

and its sovereignty is exercised within its own territory and the government of that state does not

have any other higher authorities that it is obligated and answerable to but it is recognized by

other states or governments through the means of diplomatic relationships like United Nations’

membership. The inhabitants of a given state are referred to as ‘civil society’ which is well

organized and has institutions that give guidelines in social living and politics. A nation is that

section or all that population which shares and contains same or similar identity. When a given

population controls and influences the government of a state then it is said that there is

democracy. Each state is said to have a city called capital city that acts as a head-quarter of the

government where all the administration is vested. One individual called a state leader acts in the

state’s name. The state leader may be the head of government and state like the United States but

in other states he or she may be just symbolic. State leaders are the strongest political figures and

when it comes to IR, they are regarded as individual actors and it does not matter if the state

leader is a dictator or elected democratically. These state actors may also be bureaucratic groups

such as foreign ministries that represent states.

Nonstate Actors

They are also known as “transnational actors”. They include intergovernmental

organizations (IGOs) where state governments are members. Example of IGOs includes; World

Trade Organization (WTO), NATO and African Union (AU). The other nonstate actor is non-

governmental organizations (NGOs). These nonstate actors are legitimately recognized and have

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political and economical influence among states especially when they come together through

transnational advocacy networks. Multinational Corporations are other nonstate actors. They are

corporations that operate across nations who control core state’s resources.

Level of Analysis

The analysis levels concerning IR depend on perception, actions and choices of an

individual (individual level of analysis). For instance, the historical direction is influenced by

great influential leaders. The second level is domestic analysis level is about individual’s

aggregation in a given state that influences the actions of the state in a given international

context. They include; political groups, governmental agencies and interested organizations. The

second analysis level is the international analysis level that concerns that influence that comes

from international systems upon results (Pevehouse & Goldstein, 2014). The level lays its focus

on states interactions. The global analysis level tries to put across the results arising from global

forces and trends when states interact. These analyses explain international events among states.

Globalization

It cuts across various trends such as international trade, telecommunication, coordination

in monetary issues, scientific issues and cultural issues. The concepts of globalizations include

speeding up, widening and deepening of global interconnection in every contemporary social

living aspect. In the overview, globalization is a core principle of liberal economics.

Global Geography

The author divides the globe into regions regarding cultures, languages, and geographical

realities. For instance, North-South gap exists between poor southern states (Africa, Asia, and

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Latin America) and rich northern states (Europe, Japan and North America). This global

geography is the reason why there is un-equal distribution of income among nations since some

countries are more industrialized than others.

Evolving international system

Foundational principles and structures of IR depend mainly of historical developmental

progress that has been fixed by 1

world war, 2

world war, cold war and post-cold war.

Two world wars

The two world wars were the emergency of new economic and political nature of states

in the 20

century. For instance, the World War 1 aftermath is the symbol and reference of any

war’s tragic catastrophe which is unnecessary. World War 2, on the other hand led to signing of

various treaties that have guides IR among states who seem to be rivals and the wake of super

power states was seen. United States for example was seen as the best producer of nuclear

weapons.

The Cold War

There was emergence of ideologies between United States (capitalist) and United Soviet

Union (communist). Despite these ideologies there was a stable IR. The marshall plan was still in

place which was a sign of IR. Also there was a meeting called “the first summit meeting” that

was held between leaders of superpowers where an agreement to reconstitute Austria was

reached.

Post-Cold War

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The corporation of states after the cold war existed and many states resolved to be

independent but maintain political, social and economical ties between neighbor states for

instance Bosnia and Croatia. When there was a terrorist attack in the United States, countries

came together to assist America in matters regarding security.

In conclusion, IR has strongly brought together states and countries with different

geographical and cultural backgrounds enjoy limited resources in the world. It has led to reduced

conflicts among nations and has boosted political and economical ties between nations.

International relations is recommended for the prosperity of any nation.

Reference

Pevehouse, C., J & Goldstein, J., S. (2014) International Relations 2013-2014 Update (10

Ed.).

The Globalization of International Relations. Pearson Education, Inc. United States of America.

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When there are mutual understandings among individuals, it is easier to come together

and solve common problems as opposed to when there is no ideological understanding among

groups. Political ideologies may push people of the world a part. Looking at the communism and

capitalism ideologies tried to push people with different opinions a part.

Creation of alliances as well as organizations that try to drive common agenda may bring

people of the world together. Again participation is activities such as international trade and

economic events may bring people of the world. Other social events such as sports and social

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forums will tend to unite people as they will understand that despite their physical and cultural

differences, they are the same.

Foreign cultures are so diverse starting from language, religion and dress code. This

dictates the way governments are governed, how people relate to one another and how people

interact with one another. Cultural diversities that are common in nature draws people together

but those that are diverse can cause conflicts.

In the US, culture is very diverse but it is dominated by western culture. Culture in the

U.S though is directed by Latin and Native Americans. Social cultural is identified by dialect,

arts, folklore and music. The best thing about the culture in the US is the Latin American

language that is common across the nation. It brings Americans together.

In class students from various backgrounds do not assist each other more often. Africans

for instance are seen as weaker race though they are very bright in class. And this statement may

trigger resentments if they are publicly humiliated. The background for instance poverty and

wealthy backgrounds are so divergent and students from these backgrounds may not go together

or share ideas. All these statements if are raised in class may bring about sentiments. The kind of

rebuttals that will arise for an African for instance will be of race concern.

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Assignment two

Theories of International Relations

Theory of realism

Realists argue that international systems are defined and guided by anarchy (without central

authorities). Nations are said to be autonomous and sovereign (Wolfrum, 2011). In this theory

power is the main key because it is only power that a nation can redeem itself from enemies and

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survive. Power according to realism can be defined in different ways which includes;

economically, diplomatically and militarily. The theory puts its emphasis on forcible material

potential distribution which determines politics internationally. The four assumptions that drive

the world’s vision according to realism include; a) the potential objective of each nation is

survival. b) Nations tend to be actors that are rational. This means that given the survival goal,

nations act at their best levels with the intention of maximizing their existence and continuity. c)

Realism theory assumes that every nation is in possession of military knowhow or capacity

therefore no nation knows its neighbor’s intentions. d) In this world, nations with great powers in

military and economics are said to be decisive. This explains why international relations is

driven by “Great Power Politics”

The assumption by offensive realism states that, for a nation to survive it must strive to

maximize its power compared to other states and if a rival nation has more powers that will be

used to threaten a nation, then there is no safety. Hegemony stands out to be the best strategy that

a nation should employ. On the other hand defensive realism explains that dominance is not the

best strategy for survival of any nation. Therefore, hegemony seeking can lead to a dangerous

nation’s conflicts. Defensive realism advocates that balance of power stability systems where

power is evenly distributed will reduce chances of attacks from rival states. The key concept in

this theory is polarity where power is distributed among great powers.

The theory of realism emphasizes on power and anarchy that eventually results in the

emergence of international law as well as international organizations. The theory believes that

international politics is just epiphenomenal whereby balance of power does not influence or

constrain behavior of a state. Where there is no hierarchy in authority, state power can exercise

the law.

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Balance of power

It is a concept that explains the power of one or several nations that will be used in

balancing another nation or nations. It may be of any given ratio capacity between alliances or

nations. This theory places an argument that the counterbalancing should occur on a regular

basis and maintain international systems’ stability. The development of a given state’s capability

against its rival lie on power balancing although formations of alliances are cheaper and quicker

when it comes to threatening a rival nation.

Great power and middle powers

The world’s most influential and powerful states normally dictate the direction of events

internationally therefore getting more recognition and attention from the scholars of IR. A few

countries controls majority power-resources and a few states control and influences IR outside

their own locality. All these are referred to as middle powers and great powers in reference to

international system.

Hegemony

This is a situation where a nation holds a preponderance of economic and political power

given international systems and this gives it dominance in arrangements and rules through which

economic and international politics are performed. Therefore in simple terms hegemony refers to

regional or world domination. The theory of hegemonic stability states that; hegemony gives out

some directions related to a given central administration in international systems platform thus

mitigating anarchy and aggression while boosting free world trade and hard currency provision

which can be of use in world standards.(99. The theory calls for world peace as well as

prosperity.

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The Great Power System, 1500-2000

Given the power balancing, sovereignty, hegemony periods and great powers’ presence,

latest international systems is vested in the global international relations’ history which emanated

way back in 1648 where the treaty of Westphalia was signed to establish independent principle

among states. (Goldstein & Pevehouse, 2014). This system’s key driver was that abilities vested

in one nation or alliance to regulate or do power balancing on another nation such that it could

not engulf smaller groups and come up with a huge empire.

Purpose of Alliances

The purpose of alliances is to pool together power capabilities among members so as to

be stronger. This is the most effective among smaller countries but in great powers, alliances

bring about the shaping of power configurations given the international systems. Alliances may

be formed where there is a potential threat. According to realism, fluidity alliances are

“marriages of convenience” which means that these are alliances that lays its basis on interests of

the nation. Alliance cohesion exists where the nations have common interests or corporations in

the alliance turn out to be habitual or institutionalized. Great powers may come up with alliances

with smaller nations and this is known as client nation. Strong nations send threats to rivals to

curb attacks on nations that are weaker and this is called extended deterrence.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

This is the major and dominant alliance in the scene of international security. NATO’s

members include; North America and Western Europe. The member states constitute of about a

half of the world’s total GDP. It should be noted that GDP is the main measure of a state’s

power. Its head-quarter is in Brussels a city of Belgium and it was founded in 1949 and its main

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aim was to counter the power of soviet in Europe. NATO has its own supreme commander who

is the U.S. and each member state has a mandate to contribute a military unit bearing its national

culture, equipments and language. When a fellow member is under attack each member state

comes up on the attacked member’s defense.

Game Theory

The theory is a mathematical branch that predicts bargaining results. The game involves

players who may be two or multiple in number who chooses best alternative move or moves

either repeatedly or once. Each move’s combination results in payoff sets to every player. These

payoffs may be tangible or intangible in nature. The aim of this game is to do a deduction in the

probable results given the references among players and open possible moves exposed to players.

The game was employed to study contingencies that could arose from nuclear war between

Soviet and U.S. nuclear usage were the move, war outcomes were the payoffs. The game is

widely used to understand interactions among states.

The Prisoner’s Dilemma

The players choose a move or moves rationally which produces results or a result

whereby all the players are worse off than when under various move sets. The prisoner’s

dilemma involves a prosecutor who questioned two prisoners. The prosecutor had knowledge

that they committed a crime by robbing a bank but the only evidence that he had was of that of

possession of a gun. This required them to confess so as to be judged with robbery otherwise the

charges before them were possession of a gun illegally. The 1

prisoner was told that if he

confesses and his colleague does not confess, he will be freed. If the partner gives a confession

and he does not, he will face a long term imprisonment, and the partner will be freed. If both of

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them confess, they will face imprisonment with a shorter term. If neither of them confesses, they

will be charged with illegal gun possession and face a short term sentence. There are no chances

of later retaliation. The rational reasoning of the 1

prisoner is that if he confesses and the other

do not confess, then he will go free, if both of them confesses they will face short term

imprisonment. This is how states in the IR situations reason.

References

Ann-Marie, S (2011) International relations, Principle Theories. Available at;

https://www.princeton.edu/~slaughtr/Articles/722_IntlRelPrincipalTheories_Slaughter_2

0110509zG.pdf

Goldstein, S., J. & Pevehouse J., C. (2014) International Relations 2013-2014 Update (10

Ed.):

Realist Theories. Pearson Education, Inc. United States of America.

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Chapter three

This chapter tries to explain various theories that influence and dictate the global

direction of international relations. The theories give guidelines in the policy formulation among

states and how diplomats have succeeded in peace maintenance between states, creation of

alliances and coming up with international organizations.

Liberal theory is understands IR to be an evolving event and as time goes by more peace

comes about. This kind of evolution emanates from gradual development of mutual cooperation

called reciprocity as well as international groups.

Kant Theory

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Nations need to develop rules and regulations for cooperation’s facilitation through the

formation of world’s federation which should resemble the United Nations. The second solution

is that peace is dependent on internal governments’ characters therefore operations should be on

at the lowest analysis level. The third solution is that peace is promoted by peace whereby trade

creates wealth among nations and cooperation and therefore any disruptions will be condemned

(Goldestein & Pevehouse, 2014).

International regimes

This are sets of norms, procedures and rules whereby expectations are anticipated among

actors with convergent views. The areas that are guided by these procedures and rules include

control of arms, exploration and trade. International systems’ participants should have common

goals that will guide in setting the rules and procedures.

Collective security

This is basically a huge alliance formation among big actors of international system with

the aim of joint opposition of any aggression from an actor. Any actor that commits an

aggression is punished and the collective major interests among the actors are safeguarded.

The democratic Peace

When states becomes republics where legislations is to check monarch’s powers then that

states will have a lasting peace. Governments should exercise checks and balances when using

military forces as opposed to autocratic kind of governments where a single individual makes

war decisions without involvement of citizens.

Social theories

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IR may depend on social interactions when explaining states’ or individual’s preferences.

This theory is some times called constructivism where nations come up with interests by use of

interactions with each other.

Identities and ideas matter

Identity of states’ interests, threats and interests relationships are core concerns among

actors. A good criterion should be chosen that will direct selection of interests. Nations make

decisions regarding what they need on the basis of both material and social interactions.

Postmodernism

These theorists focus on discourses and texts meaning how individuals write and talk

about IR. They state that there exist no single and objective realities although multiple

perspectives and experiences that explains categorization easily.

Maxism

It states that both domestic or local politics and IR emanates from un-equal relationships

that exist between each economic class. This implies that both economic and domestic attributes

within a society directs relations that are external with various nations.

Peace studies

It states that there is a connection between peace and war with a person’s responsibility,

gender, understanding within cross cultural, and inequality in economic matters. It seeks to

explain that peace is not a matter of national leader’s transactions but it should involve

transformation of society as a whole as well as communities in the transnational level.

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Gender theories

The female IR scholars try to fight traditional gender concepts that males run nations and

are war fighter and women fall irrelevant to international relations. It is a notion that masculinity

is best suited to political and public space and femininity is best suited in domestic and private

affairs.

The masculinity of realism

Since boys perceive to be so different from their mother they develop autonomy and girl

relate with their mother because of similarity develops connection. In the context of moral

understanding boys applies abstract rules and stresses on individual rights and girls pays

attention to various concrete contexts given various situations.

Women in international relations

Liberal feminism lays its focus on women integration in policy formulation in the

international level as well as military. The nature of IR though does not accommodate women.

There are more women diplomats, soldiers and politicians emerging in the recent years.

Postmodern feminism

It tries to do a deconstruction of realism concepts with specific objectives uncovering

hidden gender influences while depicting how gender construction roles look like. It further

explains gender interplay as well as power in a divergent way.

Conclusion

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It has been seen that in the international relations platform, there must exist mutual

understanding among nations and no state is well off to stand on its own politically, socially as

well as economically given the limited resources. There is need for a diplomatic understanding

among nations for political and economic prosperity. The theories explain the steps needed for a

rational policy formulation. Women are also needed to participate in international relations to

represent gender.

References

Goldestein, S., J. & Pevehouse, C., J. (2014) International Relations 2013-2014 Update (10

Ed.). Liberal and Social Theories. Pearson Education, Inc. United States of America.

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