Concepts in

International Relations

Systematic level concepts

• Sovereignty • Power• National Interest• Non-State Actors

• Power Blocs• Polarity• Interdependence• Dependency

SovereigntyInternational relations relies on

the idea of sovereignty. Described in Jean Bodin’s “Six Books of the Commonwealth in 1576, the three pivotal points derived from the book describe sovereignty power(s) have absolute power over their territories, and that such power is only limited by the sovereign’s “own obligations towards other sovereign and individual”

PowerThe concept of power in

international relations can be described as the degree of resources, capabilities, and influence in international affairs. It is often divided up into the concepts of hard power and soft power.

Powers in International Relations

Superpower

Great power

Mid/high power

Middle power

National InterestPerhaps the most significant

concept behind that of power and sovereignty, national interest is a state’s action in relation to other states here it seeks to gain advantage or benefits to itself. National interest, whether aspirational or operational, is divided by core/vital and peripheral/non-vital interests.

Non-State ActorsIn the 21st century, the status-quo

of the international system is no longer monopolized by states alone. Rather, it is the presence of non-state actors, ho autonomously act t implement unpredictable behavior to the international system. Whether it is transnational corporations, liberation movements, non-governmental agencies, or international organizations, these entities have potential to significantly influence the outcome of any international transaction.

Power BlocsPower blocs in international

relations is a significant factor which id related to Polarity. Particularly during the Cold War, the alignment of several nations to one side or another based on ideological differences or national interest has become an endemic feature of international relations.

PolarityPolarity in international relations

refers to the arrangement of powers within international system. The concept arose from bipolarity during the Cold War, and has been applied retrospectively by theorists. However, the term bipolar was notably used by Stalin who said he saw international system as a bipolar one with two opposing power bases and ideologies. Consequently, the international system prior to 1945 can be described as multi-polar, with power being shared among great powers.

InterdependenceMany advocate that the current

international system is characterized by growing interdependence; the mutual responsibility and dependency on others. Advocates of this point to growing globalization, particularly with international economic interaction.

DependencyDependency Theory is a theory

most commonly associated with Marxism, stating that a set of core states exploit weaker periphery states for their prosperity.

Systematic tools in IR• Diplomacy is a practice of communication and negotiation between representative of the states.

• Sanctions are usually the first resort after the failure of diplomacy, and are one of the main tools to enforce treaties.

• War is the use of force, is often thought of

as the ultimate tool of international relations. A widely accepted definition is that given by Clausewitz, with war being “the continuation of politics by other means”.

• The mobilization of international shame can also be thought of as a tool of international relations. This is attempting to alter states’ actions through ‘naming and shaming’ at the international level. This is mostly done by the large human rights NGO’s such as Amnesty International.

• The allotment of economic and/or diplomatic benefits. An example of this is the European Union’s enlargement policy. Candidate countries are allowed entry into the EU only after the fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria