I.R

On the definition of international relation

As to the first sub-item, there is no general agreement among scholars regarding what is meant by international relations. we can distinguish a set of tendencies.-some scholars define international relations “ as those relations which go beyond the boundaries of the state”.

the observation:

we observe that this definition confirms one of the main features of international relations that are the "International characteristic’’.however, the definition confines the actors of international relations to state governments while international relations witnesses so many actors other than states, such as IGO’s, multi-national corporations , national liberation movements, non-governmental organizations, and the individuals per se. all these units more or less exercise effect and play role in international relations.

2- other scholars define international relations as "those political and diplomatic interactions taking place among states and international governmental organization”

we can remark that this definition looks at international relation from an official point of view while we know that international relations extends to include political and non political, cultural, security, social, health, education, economic,…………… aspects.

**in our point of view, international relation can be well-defined as all forms of activities and interactions taking place “occurring” between units and members of the international community regarding inter-related issue weather political or non political ones.this definition, as it appears, has the merits of being inductive and well-reflected evolution and changes taking place in the international arena weather on the objective level ( political and non political) or on the subjective level ( state, governments, international organization, national liberation movements, multi-national corporations, nongovernmental organization, national organization and private individuals).- general features of international relations:from the above definitions, we can conclude some general features of the international relations as the following transnational, domestic multi-lateral, goal oriented.

Actors of international relations:

1 -States as the principle actor in the international relations

The role of the state as the principle actor in the I.R is manifested and reflected in its" Foreign Policy" towards

the other actor in the I.R

2 -I.G.O.S.” international Governmental OrganizationsFor example : AL-UN-AU

3 -international non Governmental Organization For example :Red cross – AMINSTY – HRW

4 -Multinational CorporationsFor example : Oil companies –Microsoft

5 -International Liberation Movements For example : Palestinian Liberation organization

The International System (Int. Sys)Definition

a set of rules of the international relationships among the world’s states. A power map of the world/ major powers.

Rules: well-defined and long-established/ Explicit or implicit

include who is considered a member, characteristics, rights and responsibilities, how states treat each other...etc.

Change over time: change in major actors & pattern of interaction between them.

Types of the Int. Sys.(2) Bipolar system

two superpowers: The US and Soviet Union (1945-1991?)

Small and medium-sized states Conflict short of direct confrontation

(The Cold War) Nuclear Deterrence/ Balance of Horror:

the ability to launch a second strike The Cuban Crisis 1962 Collapsed in 1991?

Types of the Int. Sys.(1) Multipolar System

more than three centers of power dominate international relations.

EG: before the first World War & the Interwar Sys.

Conflict & Cooperation: Both are possible- Entente Cordiale (Friendly Agreement) 1904- Britain- Germany antagonism in the decade

preceding World War IBalance of Power: one state’s power being used

to balance that of another state.Preserve stabilityOnce it changes or breaks down, the system

collapses

Types of the Int. Sys.(3) Unipolar System

a single dominant world power, other states are kept in order (hegemony).

EG: the Roman Empire, and the British Empire.

The hegemon, or the pole, is often an empire. What do you think of America after the

September 11th? Is it an empire?!

System level of analysis The main focus is characteristics of the

International System: distribution of power, balance of power, alliances…regardless of the internal make up of states or their leaderships.

Ex: the effect of the cold war or the bipolar system on the relations between small States & the Super Powers.

2- State (Domestic)– Level Analysis:This level theorizes that States are the

key International Actors.The concern is with the

characteristics of an individual State & its impact on its behavior in IR.

This level studies the effect of political systems ( types of government: democracies & dictatorships ), economic characteristics, foreign policy bureaucracy, interest groups, ethnic politics, public opinion…. on IR

3- Individual – Level Analysis:This level depends on the argument that

individuals (leaders) make policy.It argues that different persons act

differently in the same situation.It stresses on the effect of psychological

factors on decisions ( leaders personality, background, perceptions….)