Contents Introduction 1 Syllabus 2 Chapter One What is International Relations? 3 George Cooray Chapter Two Relations Among States and International Relations as a Discipline 9 George Cooray Chapter Three The Actors in International Relations 21 George Cooray Chapter Four Major Approaches to International Relations 28 George Cooray Chapter Five International Relations as a Science 40 George Cooray Chapter Six International System 49 George Cooray
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Contents
Introduction 1
Syllabus 2
Chapter One What is International Relations? 3
George Cooray
Chapter Two Relations Among States and International Relations as a Discipline 9
George Cooray
Chapter Three The Actors in International Relations 21
George Cooray
Chapter Four Major Approaches to International Relations 28
George Cooray
Chapter Five International Relations as a Science 40
George Cooray
Chapter Six International System 49
George Cooray
Chapter Seven Power and National Interest 60
George Cooray
Annotated Terms 68
Glossary 78
Bibliography 81
Introduction
It is with great pleasure I write this introduction to the course I have taught in past 10 years or
go. This study guide is intended as a brief description of the subject of International Relations for
those who begin to study this in the University. This is by no means a complete text book on
International Relations. This purely brings together in a nutshell the study material/study aids I
have been using in the classroom over the years to introduction the subject to the fresh
undergraduates in the University.
This study guide begins with the Syllabus. The INR 1101 Syllabus given here has twelve
sections. But in this guide, we have only Seven Chapters it is not that we forget or ignored
sections. Rather, I as the author, decided to incorporate some sections. The result is seven
chapters that include information on all the sections given in the Syllabus.
Now, each chapter has some similarities. One is that all chapters have ‘Learning Outcomes’ that
inform you what we expect from you after you have learnt to topic. There is a brief introduction.
Concepts, some quotations, and doctrine are presented in boxes to emphasize their importance.
This does not mean that other aspects within each chapter are not needed. A student can gain full
insights and fulfill the learning Outcomes only after reading the whole chapter. Each chapter also
has a Reading List. These are the ‘Recommended Readings’ rather than ‘Required Reading’
rather than ‘Required Readings’. Some of the documents can be found in the internet. If a student
wishes to get a full understanding of the topic, they must find some of these readings. There is a
list of ‘Key Terms’ at the end of each chapter. Not all of these terms have been included in the
Glossary found at the end of the book. The ‘key terms’ is also a guide to students to know what
is important within that chapter and to find more information on these terms.
George A. Cooray
1
Syllabus
INR 1101 – INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Course Description
This is an elementary course in International Relations intended for all students who wish to
offer this subject for a three year General Degree or a four year Special Degree. For a four year
Special Degree in International Relations, this course unit is compulsory.
Learning Outcomes
The main objective of this course unit is to introduce International Relations as new and distinct
discipline to the first year students. The students are expected to familiarize them selves with
major actors in International Relations, the international system, and the major theories,
approaches and concepts in International Relations. Students are encouraged to analyze
international problems using theories and concepts they learn in the course.
Course Content
1. Defining International Relations, especially as a discipline
2. Major phases in the growth and development of International Relations as a distinct
discipline
3. Major approaches to International Relations
4. State and Non-State Actors in International Relations
5. Basic concepts in International Relations: Power, National Interest and National Security
6. Evolution of the International System
7. The Problem of War and Conflict in International Relations
8. The Prevention of War and Conflict in International Relations
9. Diplomacy in International Relations: Nature, role and functions period
10. International Law, and its sources and effectiveness in International Relations
11. Human Rights in International Relations
12. Integration in International Relations: (a) Federal, Functional, Pluralist and Neo-
functional Integration. (b) International Organizations and Regional Organizations.
2
How and why do the states or nations interact with others? Do the states belong to a kind of
society called International Society? If so, are there any rules or customs governing the
behaviour of a state member of this society? Despite conflicts and wars how do the member
states maintain some order in the world? International Relations is trying to answer these
questions. It is simply, a study that extends beyond state or national boundaries.
CHAPTER ONE
What is International Relations?
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, students will have gained an understanding of the development of the
field of International Relations.
Introduction
International Relations is a relatively new academic discipline. It belongs to the group of social
sciences. However, it is younger than most of the other social sciences we are familiar with.
They include well-established and developed subjects like History, Law, Geography, Economics,
Political Science and Sociology. Despite the fact that International Relations is still at a
developing stage, it has become a very attractive and a fashionable academic discipline. That is
why it has many students the world over.
State Interactions
The study of International Relations is in many ways useful too. On the one hand, the subject
matter it deals with is tremendously interesting, whether it is war, conflict, diplomacy or peace.
The world around us is full of these transactions. Getting to know the real essence of these
undoubtedly satisfies our minds. These experiences may be useful in our day–to-day activities as
well. Of course, certain professions do require a good knowledge of them.
As indicated above, the study of International Relations result in raising many questions. Why do
nations go to war? How do they resolve their conflicts over resources, national borders and
3
numerous disputes? Why do nations get together in alliances, regional organizations or in
international organizations? Why do states sign treaties? Who are diplomats or those able skilful
negotiators? Is there a law that governs all the states in the world? Is there an international
society, a community or a system? International Relations as an academic discipline tries to
answer these and many other questions.
International Relations has its own language,
concepts and analytical methods too. In
attempting to answer those earlier mentioned
questions, some analysts may delve deep into
matters. They may try to gather answers in
History, Philosophy, Political Science, Law,
Sociology, Anthropology, or even in
Psychology. For instance, some analysts may
find causes for wars and conflicts deeply
rooted in the human mind. Others may point
their fingers at organizations such as states
with their selfish motives and ineffective
international organizations to bring order into
the world. Whatever answers are found, it
would be a satisfying exercise to explore them.
On the other hand, the study of International Relations can broaden our minds and our mental
horizon. It may lead us to think internationally or globally rather than merely as individual or
separate nations. We may begin to think that we are only small parts of the world. We are only
another unit among others within a larger International System. While some states in this world
provide us with aid and assistance, they at the same time collect arms directly or indirectly
against us or in competition with us. Is this not a paradox? The behaviour of states or nations is
determined by various complex factors, objectives or motives.
4
Relations among nations
Under the circumstances, it is no wonder why International Relations has already become very
popular among inquisitive students the world over. These questions motivate the finding of
answers.
This handbook takes us on a journey: a journey to find out about an academic discipline which
tries to find answers to a myriad of questions about the world. Though briefly, let us start from
the birth of the discipline and then move onto understanding the main features of it.
Birth of the new discipline
It was around 1920, immediately
after the First World War (1914-
1918) that International Relations
was believed to have been formally
established as a social sciences
discipline in the University of Wales
in Britain. Before that, the subject
matter of International Relations,
namely ‘the relations among
nations’, was studied within other
social science disciplines. After it
separated from other disciplines such
as History, Politics, Sociology and
Economics etc. to appear as a new,
but separate and distinct academic
subject, it became popular in Britain.
Thereafter, it spread rapidly
throughout Europe, the United States
of America and gradually to other
parts of the world.
5
Fighting during World War I
League of Nations
International Relations was introduced to the University curriculum in Sri Lanka in the late
nineteen seventies. After nearly fifteen years, International Relations as a subject is now taught at
various levels in many Universities and similar institutions. However, it still remains a new and a
‘developing’ subject that has not reached many. The purpose of this study guide is, as has
already been stated, to simply introduce this new subject or discipline to a larger audience.
Two Preliminary Questions
In International Relations many preliminary questions are likely to be raised. Two of the very
basic questions are as follows,
Question 1 – What actually is International Relations? This refers to actual relations among
nations. This leads to another query. Are they restricted to political relations among states or
nations or do they include other relations among other entities as well?
Questions 2 – What is International Relations as an academic discipline? How do we
distinguish it from other social sciences like History, Political science, Law, Geography and
Sociology etc.?
By answering these two questions, it may be possible to introduce International Relations to a
wider section of students interested in learning this new discipline.
There is a difference between ‘international relations’ (the actual relations among nations and
‘International Relations’ (the discipline).
The actual international relations among States or Nations.
These relations may be political, economic, social or cultural
and generally refers to a wide variety of relations. They should
be frequent and regularized to be called international relations.
In this context, it is interesting to learn, for the sake of
curiosity, that it was Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) who first
used the word ‘international.’ As such, the word itself is not
very old.
6
International Relations is the name of the academic discipline or the subject that deals
with those relations. This discipline (subject) explains, and analyzes ‘relations among
nations’ and sometimes even makes predictions. In other words, awkward various types of
relations among states existed long before the discipline, International Relations, was born.
For further clarification, it may fist be helpful to gain insights into the history of the development
of relations among nations. Secondly, it is also useful to outline the growth and development of
the subject, International Relations.
The preceding discussion was a very brief introduction to International Relations meant for
beginners. For easy reading, the language was made simple and only the essentials were
included. This is just the beginning.
Model Study Questions
1. Identify five big states and five small states important or active in international relations
and prepare state/country profiles on them. The profile may include some information on
the following aspects:
a. Full name of the state
b. Size of territory and population
c. The economy
d. Membership of International and Regional Organizations, if possible with year of
admission
e. Some information on politics. For instance, Democracy, Dictatorship,
Constitutional Monarchy, etc.
f. Your own judgment on the respective state’s role in international relations
7
2. Read the following statements carefully. If a statement is correct mark “P”, and
if it is not, mark “O”.
1. International Relations as an academic discipline began in the seventeenth
century
2. Relations among States are as old as the states themselves.
3. A narrow definition of IR is concerned with political relations among States
only.
4. The main focus of International Relations after WW II was on International
Law and institutions.
5. Political Realism is based on the assumption that ‘Man is by nature good’.
6. Woodrow Wilson contributed immensely to political Realism.
7. The first phase in the development of IR as a discipline began in 1648.
8. Systems Approach was dominant during the pre-natal phase.
9. To include Non-State Actors, International Relations should be defined
narrowly.
10. The State is increasing in significance in international relations.
Key Terms
Discipline
First World War
International Relations
Paradox
Essential Reading List
Baylis, John and Steve Smith. 2005. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to
International Relations
Goldstein, Jashua S. 2004. International Relations
Holsti, K. J. 1997. International Politics: Framework for Analysis
Jones, Walter S. 1991. The Logic of International Relations.
8
National Flags
Source:northwestern.edu/
CHAPTER TWO
Relations Among States and International Relations as a Discipline
Learning Outcome
At the completion of this chapter, students will have gained an understanding of how and why
International Relations became a discipline.
Introduction
International Relations as a field, faced many difficulties during its short period in existence.
This chapter informs the student of the historical developments of relations among nations/states
and the growth and acceptance of International Relations as a discipline.
The Historical Development
Like individual human beings, or Nations the most prominent human organization cannot be
expected to exist in isolation. As such, it is
possible to say that ‘relations’ among states or
nations are as old as they were. For those
organizations, some kind of relationship,
whether they were commercial or cultural,
were a necessity for survival. In most cases,
the exchange of goods and service was
accompanied by religious and cultural
transactions at varying levels. It is also
important to observe that an integral part of
the life of human beings throughout history
has been inter-personal and inter-group
relations based on unity as well as conflict. In
ancient times men lived together in groups or
tribes. In the same manner, they had conflicts
or fights for various reasons among
themselves, they also tried to influence each other through peaceful means. When they organize
9
Relations are frequent dealings or associations among persons groups or generally
regularized by customs or laws. In this sense, the interactions between civilizations cannot
be properly called ‘relations’ since they were neither frequent nor regularized. Relations
proper, in terms of the aforementioned criteria, began only in the seventeenth century.
into more coherent social and political units called states with territorial boundaries and common
identities, they continued to interact among themselves in the same fashion.
If we delve a little deeper into the history behind this,
even before modern states came into existence, there
were interactions between old ‘civilizations.’ Some of
these civilizations, the predecessors of modern states,
were in fact, culturally highly developed. So were
inter-civilization relations. For instance, during the
Roman civilization, the envoys of kings and Emperors
were in the habit of visiting other centres of
civilizations, which was similar to modern diplomatic
transactions. Also, there were wars between them. The
transactions between civilizations generally included
religious, cultural, trade or diplomatic contacts.
However, those transactions were not routine or
frequent. Neither were they systematic nor regularized.
This does not mean that in the ancient world there were no customs, laws or certain norms that
governed relationships. In fact, some ancient civilizations had certain ideas about treating foreign
delegates with mutual respect. Some civilizations even had laws and customs concerning war.
The Chinese civilizations, for instance, had a very developed set of laws of war.
Relations Among States
Seventeenth Century: The Beginning of ‘Relations’
10
Industrial Revolution
French Revolution
Signatories of the Treaty
Actual relations among states began in the seventeenth century, In this century two major
historical developments created and promoted
regular relations among states. One, was the
beginnings of the sovereign state system in
Europe with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.
This provided the political foundation for
relations among modern territorial states. The
other, was the advancement of science,
technology, and navigation and as a result the
expansion of overseas trade. It was the
economic need that arose out of this trade expansion which made regular relations a necessity.
As a result of these developments, the world began to ‘shrink’ or become smaller, paving the
way for frequent, systematic and regularized relations among states.
Eighteenth Century:
The Revolutionary period
In the eighteenth century, two major
events influenced the already shrinking
world:
1. The Industrial Revolution
2. The French Revolution.
The economic and political impact of
these revolutions on relations among
modern states was significant.
The Industrial Revolution changed the
economic structure of the world. It
marked the rise of capitalism, which
ultimately led to imperialism. The
Imperialist expansion changed all
aspects of the entire international
11
system. Imperialism was the main cause of The World Wars, which brought about massive
destruction to the world along with immense suffering to human beings. In fact, it should be
noted that World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) provided the dynamic force
behind the development of International Relations as a discipline.
The massive devastation of World War 1, presented an urgency among scholars to study
international relations seriously and systematically. The purpose was (1) to understand the causes
of war and (2) to find ways of preventing such wars. In other words, it was the pain of war that
gave birth to a new discipline. And this discipline was named International Relations.
International Relations as a discipline
The discipline of International Relations soon began to develop as a separate and distinct
discipline. At the very outset, it is therefore, essential to understand that International Relations
(IR) is different from International Affairs, World Affairs, Contemporary World, Current
Affairs, External Affairs and even International Politics. In these subjects, we learn what is
happening in the world around us. From these, we learn world events as well as international
issues. The events may vary from fashion shows to cricket matches or a military coup in one
country to general elections in another. The term ‘international’ is used with issues of political
interest such as conflict, war, arms control and weapons of mass destruction, peace and peace-
making, international law, human rights, regional cooperation, international and regional
organizations and political movements etc. International Relations also deals with more or less
the same events and issues. However, International Relations is called a distinct academic
discipline because it has features characteristic of such a discipline.
Any distinct academic discipline is recognized by some characteristic features:
(1) A clearly defined field,
(2) frequently used concepts,
(3) approaches,
(4) theories, and
(5) a specialized glossary or a vocabulary.
12
International Relations acquired these features over time, and relatively quickly. The following
discussion is helpful in order to find out how International Relations evolved as a discipline by
acquiring essential features and also to learn why it is considered a ‘distinct’ discipline. The
discussion is divided into four sections:
Definition of the discipline/subject: What is International Relations as an academic
discipline? What are the distinguishing features of it?
History of International Relations as a discipline: How did it grow and develop?
The actors in International Relations: What are their activities?
Methods of analysis or main approaches: What are the ‘ways of seeing’ in International
relations?
Definition of the discipline/subject
As mentioned earlier, International Relations is different from International Affairs, Current
Affairs, Contemporary Events, and even International Politics. All these deal with what is
happening in the world. They may be related to politics, history, culture, economics or society at
large. Sometimes, sensational news is given prominence. Discovering what happens outside
one’s own country can be interesting and may satisfy our curious mind. Undoubtedly it is useful
for the students of International Relations as well. However, International relations as a
discipline/subject deals with something more.
In textbooks, authors have tried to define International Relations in many different ways. The
following is from a textbook used by undergraduate students in the United States of America
(USA):
13
“A branch of the social sciences dealing with those policies, developments and interactions,
the effects of which cross national boundaries and affect the lives of the people in different
countries and in several parts of the world”.
Narrow definition – International Relations deals with policies and actions of states or those
representing states. The actions or policies are mainly political.
In this definition, several important aspects of the subject are highlighted. First, it is a Social
Sciences discipline. It grew out of the well known Social Sciences disciplines such as History,
Economics, Political Science, Geography and Sociology. It separated from those Social
Sciences, and developed over time into a fully-fledged academic subject. It is no longer a branch
of any other subject. It now has its own area of study, methods, approaches, theories and
special vocabulary.
Secondly, its major focus is on policies. In this sense, International Relations is more than a
study of events and issues. In analyzing policies, it concentrates on their development and
interactions between different policies of ‘states’ and ‘nations’ or those who act on behalf of
them. States or nations and those who represent them are called ‘actors in International
Relations’. Sometimes, those who act for states are known as decision-makers. It is, however,
important to note that those ‘actors’ now include non-state actors as well. Non-state actors have
become more prominent than even states. For instance, there are non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) that are more effective and influential than individual states. The ICRC (the
International Committee of the Red Cross) is one of the most prominent non-state actors today.
The role it plays in international relations is prominent and obvious. In most conflict situations,
the modern states, today seek its assistance. It is the body that supervises the maintenance of the
‘law of war’ in internal and international conflicts.
Thirdly, on one hand, International Relations deals with the policies and actions of states and
non-state actors that go beyond national boundaries and interact with each other. On the other
hand, it is concerned about the impact of those interactions on both state and non-state actors as
well as the people living within these states. In this sense, IR is a study of both interactions and
effects. Therefore, IR has to be defined broadly rather than narrowly.
14
Broad definitions – International Relations includes not only states and their
representatives but also non-state actors and individuals. The policies and actions dealt with
extend beyond politics. As such, IR on the whole, is concerned with societal relations.
The interaction between policies and their effects are generally more complex than we think.
However, for our understanding we may simplify them in a chart elsewhere (See Chapter Three:
‘Actors and their activities’.)
The history of International Relations as a subject/discipline
The main focus of International Relations (IR) changed from time to time. The reasons for these
‘shifts’, often described as ‘shifts of emphasis’, are found in the actual relations among actors
(both state and non-state) in International Relations.
Parallel to those changers, the growth and development of International Relations many be
divided into four phases. In the different phases we may observe some features of one phase
continuing into the next. Therefore, the division is mostly arbitrary. It is, however, useful for
understanding the development of the subject. The following table indicates four different phases
in the growth and development of International Relations:
Phases of Growth & Development in IR
Phase Time Frame Major Focus/
Emphasis
Dominant Approach
Pre-Natal or Historical Before 1914 History, Law and
Diplomacy
Historical and Legal
Organizations 1914 – 1945 International Law and
Institutions
Idealist
Cold War 1945 – 1989 Balance of Power,
Armed Race,
Ideologies
Realist
Scientific Since 1960s International System,
State Behaviour
Systems and
Behavioural
15
The Four Phases of Growth and Development
Pre-Natal/Historical Phase
In this phase, the main interest was in the understanding of relations among states/nations
through History, Diplomacy and Law.
Scholars tried to answer the primary question: How did the modern world evolved from the past?
The field of study was confined to states and their external policies and activities. They included
trade, diplomatic transactions, disputes and wars as well. Since there was no international
organization similar to the League of Nations or the present United Nations, the focus was
narrowly fixed on international laws that governed the relations among states. The approaches or
‘ways of seeing’ and a methodology for analyzing was at the stage of being formulated. As a
result, the investigations were not systematic and more than this, analysts were unable to answer
the question of war. It was, therefore, natural that World War I changed the outlook of many
scholars.
Organizations Phase
The massive destruction caused by World War 1 urged scholars to study International Relations
with one main purpose in mind. That was the prevention of war. How can the catastrophe of war
be alleviated? First of all, the cause of war should be understood. Secondly, a procedure for
resolving international conflict should be established.
Concerned scholars and statesmen seeking solutions were
influenced by Idealist thinkers like Rousseau, Kant and
Hugo Grotius. Moreover, influenced by them, the U.S.
President, Woodrow Wilson saw the answer in an
International Organization. As such, his ideas help found
the League of Nations.
Analysts of IR in this phase are known as Idealists and their approach as Political Idealist
Approach.
16
Although the League of Nations accomplished some of its mandate at the beginning, it later
failed to fulfil its anticipated objectives. It could neither resolve conflict nor controlled arms race
between nations. The consequence was World War II (1939-1945), resulting in more destruction
brought about by conventional and nuclear weapons. It was thus natural that the ‘Idealists’ were
heavily criticized by a group of thinkers who described
themselves as ‘Realists’. The next phase saw the
‘Realists’ trying to explain international relations.
Cold War Phase
The Cold War phase was preceded by a twenty year crisis
period (1919-1939) and a war (1939-1945). During this
period of crisis and war, the main focus of IR was
understandably, strategy and geopolitics. Needless to say, Great Powers (all European)
dominated the actual international relations both in war and in peace settlements.
The Cold War phase began in 1945 with the end of World War II. The features characteristic of
the Cold War was the tension and the arms race. The Balance of Power dominated by the two
powers and the rivalry between two ideologies – Capitalist Western Democracy and Eastern
Socialism – too, were important.
The analysts of IR, namely Political Realists saw power as the dynamic force behind all
international politics. Hans J. Morgenthau, the father of political Realism, in his seminal book
17
Political among Nations says, “All international politics is a struggle for power”. As this
indicates, the Political Realist approach to IR was a power approach. The dominant approach
during this phase can be called the ‘Politics of Realism’ and the key concept used in this was
‘power’.
Political Realism was never totally discarded or abandoned by analysts of IR. However, a
contending new school of thought known as the Scientific School emerged in the 1960s and
became popular.
Scientific Phase
Naturally, this phase clearly reflected the influence of the natural sciences on the social sciences.
International Relations, as a new discipline, was no exception. With this influence, some
scholars readily adopted Systems Approach and Quantitative Analysis in the analysis of
international relations.
Is the Systems Approach useful for analyzing internal relations? Can international relations be
analyzed quantitatively? Classical thinkers may tend to answer ‘no’. Nevertheless, modern
analysts inspired by the developments in science and technology, rather affectionately, adopted
scientific approaches and methods such as the System Approach, The Behavioural Approach,
Quantitative Analysis, Computer Simulation and Mathematics into the study and analysis of IR.
These scientist generally believe that,
1. International relations is a science,
2. The analytical tools used in natural sciences can be used in IR analysis, and
3. Systems Approach is relevant and useful since actual international relations themselves
constitute a ‘system’.
Model Study Questions
1. Briefly define International Relations in your own words.
2. Describe the four phases in the growth and development of IR.
3. Match the column A with B. (You can check your answers against Chart 4.)
18
A (Approach) B (Major emphasis)
1. Political Idealist International System
2. Political Realist Quantitative analysis
3. Scientific State bureaucracy
4. Systems Revolution within the System
5. Radical International Law
6. Bureaucratic Decisions
7. Decision-making Power
Key Terms
Actors
Approaches
Definitions
Capitalism
Civilizations
Cold War Scientific Phase
Conflict
Decision-makers
Diplomatic
Discipline
The French Revolution
Hans J. Morgenthau
Imperialism
The Industrial Revolution
Inter-group relations
Inter-personal relations
Methods of analysis
National boundaries
Peace of Westphalia, 1648
Political Idealist
19
Political Realists
Pre-Natal or Historical Organizations
Relations
Systematic
Theories
Transactions
Vocabulary
Woodrow Wilsom
World Wars
Essential Reading List
Lawson, Stephanie. 2003. International Relations
Baylis, John and Steve Smith. 2005. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to
International Relations
Hans J. Morgenthau. 1978. Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace
Goldstein, Jashua S. 2004. International Relations
CHAPTER THREE
The Actors in International Relations
20
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this chapter, students will be introduced to the different actors conducting
international relations.
Introduction
The preceding discussion shows how International Relations (IR) developed from a mere
narrative description of international affairs to a distinct academic discipline with several
characteristic features. It is now necessary to identify the Actors in IR and their activities. These
activities, in fact, make the field of IR a discipline.
Actors in International Relations
The State, Nation or Nation-States are the primary actors in International Relations (see diagram
below).
Actors and their activities in International Relations
The States have been in existence for a very long time in history. The concept of ‘Nations’, and
later ‘Nation-states’, however, remain relatively new, having emerged in the nineteenth century.
The States are basically political organizations with specific universal characteristics. They
include Territory, Population, a Sovereign Government, ability to transact with others and also
21
State Non-state
State Non-state
War
Peace
Diplomacy
Law
The terms, State, Nation, Nation-state and even Country have different meanings but they are
used in IR interchangeably.
Role of NGO
Source : S. Montanvert / Handicap International
International Recognition. When States are identified with a Nation or nations they are formed
into Nation States.
Although these States,
Nations or Nation-states are
considered primary actors,
there is also a view that they
are now declining in
importance in international
relations. New Non-State
actors have begun to play an
equally important role. Some
of those actors are organized
as Non Governmental
Organizations (i.e., NGOs).
There are big Multi-National
Corporations, International
Movements and influential
individuals as well. As a
result, not only state actors, but non-state actors too interact with each other as well as with state
actors. As such, relations have become more complex. (See diagram above titled ‘Actors and
their activities in International Relations’).
The Role of State as an Actor
Conventional belief is that the state is the prime actor in International Relations. It is
undoubtedly true, if IR is confined to only relations between states. It also implies that
relations are limited to political activities. However, is should be noted that, over time, the role
22
of the state has changed. There are three predominant views about the role of the state in IR
now.
1. The State is still the most impotant actor. It can still perform all traditionally
assigned national functions. Security is one of the most important functions. In
addition, it can either maintain or destroy the International System.
2. Its role is no longer significant because of some changes, especially in warfare and
weapons systems in the modern era. It cannot perform some of the traditional
functions such as protecting the state.
3. The moderate view is that, more than diminishing in significance, what has
changed is the nature and extent of its functions.
In view of the developments in science and technology that revolutionized the global
economy, international politics and all human relations, the third view seems to be more
appropriate in the context of International Relations.
The Approaches or Methods of Analysis
Acquaintance with the approaches or the methods of analysis is undoubtedly the key to
understanding an academic discipline. International Relations is no exception. The major
approaches give us an idea of the way analysts define the field of study and select the main
themes to be examined and explained. The approaches also suggest the analytical methods and
specific tools to be used. In other words, they provide us with problems as well as the ways of
analyzing them. It is then needless to say that the nature of the analysis of International Relations
depends on the particular approach adopted.
It was indicated earlier how different approaches become prominent during different phases in
the growth and development of International Relations as a discipline. In this section, an attempt
is made to identify some of major approaches and to describe them briefly.
What is an approach?
To put it simply, an approach is a ‘way of seeing’ any subject. It is a method of analyzing
relations among nations as well. In the process of the growth and development of any
23
academic discipline/subject, different and contending approaches are tried and often debated.
All approaches are based on assumptions or beliefs. On the whole approaches may be called
worldviews. In this sense, for instance, Idealists and Realists, look at the world from
completely different angles. Idealists see International Relations in terms of ‘moral principles’,
‘obligations’, ‘justice’ and ‘trust’. Realists see them only in terms of ‘power’ and ‘national
interest’. The other approaches have their own way of perceiving or seeing these relations, and
therefore include different methods of analyses.
The Scientific approach also known as the Behavioural approach, rejects traditional
approaches and tries to see IR from a scientific angle. For them, IR can adopt quantitative
analysis and other scientific methods in analyzing international relations. Another modern
approach, the Systems approach sees a System in International Relations (International
System) and believes in analyzing it as a whole (a holistic approach). The Radical approach
is related in many ways to the Systems approach. However, this approach assumes that the
international system is constantly changing and the existing international system may be
completely changed in a revolution and can be replaced with a new one. Bureaucratic and
Decision-Making approaches prefer micro-analysis of IR. The Bureaucratic approach
concentrates on military and non-military while Decision-making approach focuses on state
bureaucrats and their decisions.
There are many contending approaches to International Relations. They may fall into broader
categories:
1. The Classical or Traditional approaches and
2. The Modern approaches
The following table (titled ‘Approaches to International Relations or Ways of Seeing the World’)
will show some of the most popular approaches already mentioned, under those two main
categories.
Approaches to International Relations or Ways of Seeing the World
24
Classical or Traditional 1. Political Idealism
2. Political Realism
Modern 3. Scientific or Behavioural
4. Systems
5. Radical
6. Bureaucratic
7. Decision-making
It is clear that approaches differ based mainly on what they emphasize in International Relations.
The following table (titled ‘Approaches and Main Emphasis’) indicates the main emphasis of
each approach.
Approaches and Main Emphasis
Approach Main Emphasis
1. Political Idealist International Law and Institutes
2. Political Realist Power struggle
3. Behavioural/Scientific Quantitative analysis of Behaviour
4. Systems International System as a whole
5. Radical Revolution within the System
6. Bureaucratic State bureaucracy
7. Decision-making Decisions of policy-makers
Then what is the use of studying International Relations? There is no precise answer to this
question. This new subject/discipline can make a person capable of undertaking functional
responsibilities with a broad enlightened mind and in a disciplined manner. Undoubtedly one can
broaden one’s horizons while enjoying the study of International Relations.
Model Study questions
1. Try to identify as many non-state actors as possible.
2. Study the role played by any one of the non-state actors in International Relations. (The
area, the extent and the effectiveness of activity)
25
3. Write a short essay on the following topic: “States are not very impotent in International
Relations”. (This may even be a topic for a debate between two teams of students.)
4. There is no direct reference in this Study Guide to the following topics. Think it them, and
if possible discuss it with others:
Media as an actor in International Relations.
5. What could be the nature of the world, if all States have nuclear weapons? (Read the
section on the International System as well).
Key Terms
Actors
Approaches
The Behavioural approach
Bureaucratic
Classical approach
Decision-Making
The Idealist approach
International Movements
International Recognition
Modern approaches
Multi-National Corporations
Nation-States
NGOs or Non Governmental Organizations
Non-State actors
The Radical approach
The Realist approach
Scientific approach
State Bureaucrats
The Systems approach
Territory
Traditional approaches
26
Essential Reading List
Baylis, John and Steve Smith. 2005. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to
International Relations.
Goldstein, Jashua S. 2004. International Relations.
Morgenthau. Hans J.1978. Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace.
Holsti, K. J. 1997. International Politics: Framework for Analysis.
Jones, Walter S. 1991. The Logic of International Relations.
Lawson, Stephanie 2003 International Relations.
27
CHAPTER FOUR
Major Approaches to International Relations
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, students will gain an insight into the different approaches to the field
of International Relations
Introduction
Political Idealism and Political Realism are the traditional approaches to International Relations.
They are known as ‘Classical approaches’ as well. In the first phase of the development of IR as
a new discipline, the dominant approach was Political Idealism. In fact, the Idealists did not call
themselves ‘idealists’. Their opponents, the Political Realists, named them.
Era of Development
The Realists began to dominate the IR filed after World War II. Since then, there was an ongoing
debate between Idealists and Realists. Those debates are known as ‘great debates’ in
International Relations. Later these debates extended to include modern approaches. One such
important debate was between Traditionalism and Behaviouralism. The Behaviouralism was the
scientific or the first of modern approaches. This chapter is not about those debates. Instead, this
a short description of the two traditional/classical approaches involved in the first great debate.
First, what is an ‘Approach’? The establishment of any social science discipline is characterized
by the adoption of specific approaches to it.
An ‘Approach’ is a ‘way of seeing’ or a method of analyzing an academic subject. In the process
of the growth and development of any academic discipline/subject, different and contending
approaches are tried and often debated. All approaches are based on some assumptions or beliefs.
In this sense the Idealists and Realists look at the world from completely different angles. The
Idealists see International Relations in terms of moral principles, obligations, justice, and trust.
The Realists see them only in terms of power.
28
Political Idealist Approach
Political Idealists are also known as ‘Utopians’. Critics of Political
Idealism generally use the term ‘utopian’. These so-called utopians,
when they analyze a social phenomenon, give prominence to mind and
the mind’s desires, disregarding the matter and material conditions. As
such, for them, events occur because people desire or wish it to be so.
E. H. Carr in his book, Twenty Years’ Crises, 1919-1939: An
Introduction to the Study of International Relations (1939) says, that
“utopians” or idealists were influenced by three major trends: (1)
Eighteenth century Enlightenment, (2) Nineteenth
century Liberalism and (3) Twentieth century Wilsonian
Idealism. Considering these historical and political
origins, another author, W. T. R. Fox describes Political
Idealism as ‘reconciliation of the desirable and the
possible.’ At this stage, we need not discuss the meaning
of those philosophical terms at length. It is adequate to
simply know that Idealists combine ‘what they wish’ to
happen and ‘what is possible’ to happen.
To understand the true nature of Political Idealism, it is,
however, important to have an idea about its historical,
philosophical and political foundations. They are as
follows:
i. Historical foundation – The sad miserable experience of World War I. The carnage of this
war troubled the minds of some people. Quite understandably, they simply wanted to
achieve peace at any cost and to prevent a war of this magnitude happening in the future.
ii. Philosophical foundation - There were two ideologies that had a negative influence. One
was the Marxist ideology. There was a strongly felt need to reject Marxism, which stressed
29
on the idea that the matter is primary to mind and that material conditions always determine
the thinking of men. Also, it promoted ‘revolution’ as the from of social and political
change. The second ideology focused on the growing Nationalism that transformed the
world. The Idealists saw nationalism as a threat to the existing states system and a
powerful force that can lead to wars. Therefore, it was natural for those two ideologies to
have a negative influence on the Idealists. The positive influence came from Utopian-
Idealist philosophers such as St. Pierre, Rousseau, Grotius and Immanuel Kant. Naturally,
the views expressed by those thinkers were very attractive to Political Idealists.
The Utopian-Idealist Philosophers
St Pierre’s Project for Perpetual Peace saw ‘all men joined in bonds
of love, and all finding their happiness in the happiness of all’.
Rousseau called for searching not for “what has been done but rather
for what should be done.” He dismissed ‘evil authorities who make
men slaves, evil and miserable.’
Grotius, as a legal thinker, believed in the supremacy of law over
human beings and nations. Law or right reason is the basis for
determining rules for the rightful conduct of states. States are subject
to the same rules, which regulate the lives of individuals. Violations
of those rules are punishable.
Immanuel Kant’s idea of Perpetual Peace was very attractive to
Idealists. According to Kant’s proposal for peace – which in fact for a
proposal to prevent war – there shall be (i) No conclusion of peace
with a secret reservation, (ii) No acquisition of a state by another
state, (iii) No standing armies, and (iv) No forcible state interference
in another state and (v) No breach of confidence during war. In his
view, peace could be achieved, only if all states have republican
constitutions.
30
The Idealist solutions to the global problems include:
1. Supra-national institutions,
2. Legal control of war, and
3. Elimination of weapons (arms control and disarmament).
iii. Political foundation- The most important political leader of the day who was greatly
inspired by Utopian thinkers was Woodrow Wilson. He
was the President of the United States of American
during the World War I period. Wilson believed in
international law and institutions. Woodrow Wilson, in
his address to the Congress on 8 January, 1918
presented, “A Formula for Peace” which contained the
famous Fourteen Points. Some of these were:
(1) ‘Open covenants of peace openly arrived at’ instead
of secret diplomacy (2) “Absolute freedom of
navigation upon seas… alike peace and war”, (3) the
removal of all trade barriers, (4) general disarmament,
(5) impartial settlement of all colonial claims, and in
addition to some specific details of settlements from 6 to
13, (14) the establishment of a League of Nations,
He was the founder of the League of Nations. He and others believed that this International
Organization could bring about peace and stability to the world in the future.
On the basis of these foundations, the Idealists began to study IR systematically to understand
the causes of war and means to eliminate war. Accordingly, they based their approach on the
following assumptions:
1. Human nature is essentially ‘good’
2. Progress is possible
3. ‘Bad’ human behaviour is the product, of ‘bad’ institutions
4. War is the worst of all evils
5. War is not inevitable and can be eliminated
6. War is a global problem and thus requires global solutions
7. International society could be and should be recognized
31
Destruction of World War I
Political Realist Approach
Political Realism as a traditional approach emerged as a reaction and a formidable challenge to
the Political Idealist approach. It opposed all forms of Idealism. Very soon it had many
proponents. It became the most prominent approach to International Relations after World War
II. As such the traces of this approach are found even in the most modern approaches to
International Relations. In this sense, Political Realism is an approach that never became
obsolete or totally rejected.
Like in the case of the Idealist approach, it is important here to outline the historical,
philosophical and political foundations of Realism. They are completely different from those of
Political Idealism:
i. Historical foundation: As mentioned earlier, the history of Political Realism goes back
to World War II (1939-1945). This long and devastating war shattered all the utopian
hopes of Idealists. Woodrow Wilson’s peace plan failed with the break down of the
32
League because the US Congress and the Senate did not approve the joining of that
organization. By the 1930s, the Wilsonian idealism was visibly failing. Instead of arms
control and disarmament, there was an arms race between the great powers. It was an
extremely intense competition between Britain and Germany, especially in the area of
natives. In total contrast to open diplomacy, the nations sought secret pacts. The
imperialist struggle became acute. Ultimately, World War II broke out. These unfolding
events, in fact, lead concerned scholars to question the idealist analysis of International
Relations. The most crucial questions were as follows:
Why do states behave the way behave? What is the prime motive behind state
action? Why are some states more aggressive than others? Why do nations go to war?
There was a need for a new approach to analyze relations among states to answer
these questions.
ii. Philosophical Foundations: The inspiration was provided by ‘realist’ philosophers
who were concerned with ‘what is’ rather than ‘what should be’. They viewed the
world from a different angle. States, like individual human begin to act according to
their selfish needs. Both are guided by their desire for power and not by any moral
principles. Prominent among the philosophers who influenced the Realists were
Thomas Hobbes, Nicolo Machiavelli and Hans J. Morgenthau.
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was an English political
thinker and philosopher. He insisted that the general
inclination of all mankind is a perpetual and restless desire
for power. This desire ceases only in death. According to
him, man is governed by his fear since “the life of man is
solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” Human beings are
always in a condition called ‘war’. In his words, “they are
in that condition which is called war, such a war is of every man against every man.”
33
Nicolo Machiavelli (1459-1517) was an Italian political theorist.
Machiavelli is well known for his pessimistic and cynical views on
politics. He insists on power as the center of all politics. The
political action is justified by its achievement of the objective. The
morals are subject to that objective. As he points out, the Prince is
justified in doing anything if it helps in the acquiring, maintaining
or increasing of power. “When the state is necessary, power is necessary for its survival,
and in order to secure power, it may be necessary to act immorally”
Hans J. Morgenthau (1904 – 1980) was in fact, considered the
Father of Political Realism. In his book Political among Nations:
Struggle for Power and Peace (1948), Morgenthau outlined his
Six Principles of Political Realism. This was basically a power
approach to international politics: “Whatever the ultimate aims
of international politics, power is always the immediate aim. The
struggle for power is universal in time and space and is an
undeniable fact of experience.”
Morgenthau is considered the father of the Political Realism approach to International Relations.
He, in his Politics Among Nations (1948), articulated the principles of Political Realism.
Morgenthau’s Six Principles of Political Realism:
1. Political relationships are governed by the basic laws (rules) of
human nature.
2. Statesmen think and act in terms of interest defined as power.
3. National interest is national survival and is the minimum
requirement of a nation.
4. Universal moral principles cannot be applied to the actions of
states. The morality of the nation state different from the morality of the individual.
5. Concept of interest is the one that saves the nation from political
34
folly.
6. The political sphere is autonomous. Political action should be
governed by political criteria and not moral criteria.
Despite many modern approaches, Political Realism is used in analyzing International Relations
even today. Realists are, first of all, suspicious of Idealistic principles. They are respectful of
history. As such, they base their approach on the lessons of history they learnt rather than wishful
thinking and a hope for the best. The States in their International Relations have always acted in
order to acquire, maintain and increase power rather than according it to any moral principles.
Power is the fundamental concept in politics. In International Relations it is justified in terms of
so - called ‘National Interest’.
On the whole, Realists are rather conservative and pessimistic. That is because they do not
believe in progressive change in world politics. Also, they do not have faith in utopian ideas.
Unlike Idealists, they claim that they prefer to be based on reality or in other words, ‘what
actually happens’ rather than ‘what we like to happens’. They heavily criticize Idealists for
trying to achieve their utopian goals rather than trying to talk of the reality and truth. These ideas
and attitudes are embodied in the basic assumptions of Political Realists.
Before citing the basic assumptions of the Political Realist approach, it should be mentioned here
that the debate between the Idealists and the Realists mainly revolve around the ‘state of nature’
or the ‘inherent nature’ of human beings. Both schools think that the states reflect the behaviour
of human beings.
The basic assumptions of Political Realism are:
1. Man is by nature sinful, aggressive and wicked.
35
2. Of all evil ways nothing is more dangerous than man’s instinctive lust for power and the
desire to dominate others.
3. If assumptions 1 and 2 are
characteristic of humanity,
then progress is not
possible.
4. International politics is a
struggle for power, a war of
all against all.
5. The primary objective of
the state is to acquire power
to promote national
interest.
6. National interest is best
served by concentrating on
self-protection. (Not to trust
any international organization!)
7. Protection of state necessitates the military capability to defeat or deter other states.
8. If all states resort to force, peace and stability could be achieved by balance of power and
only by balance of power.
Basic Knowledge
Undoubtedly, some knowledge of the Political Idealist approach is essential for the initial
understanding of International Relations as a discipline. Familiarization with some basic
concepts introduced in this and the previous chapter, is also important. They include major
concepts such as Power, National Interest, Balance of Power, and International System. These
are defined and discussed in the forthcoming chapter. For now, this chapter may be concluded
with a comparison of Political Idealism and Political Realism.
Idealist Approach Realist Approach
36
Adopted after World War I
Aim: Prevention of War
Tried to see: ‘What should be?’
Basic assumption: Man is by nature
“Good”
Major problem: Bad Institutions
Solution: Law and Institutions
Political Idealism generally is,
Optimistic
Utopian
Positive
Legalistic
Adopted after World War II
Aim: Understanding Reality
Tried to see: ‘What is?’
Basic assumption: Man is by nature “Bad”
Major problem: Desire for Power
Solution: Harmony Accommodation
Political Realism is,
Pessimistic
Real
Negative
Suspicious of Law
Model Study Questions
1. Try to answer the following questions briefly:
1. Do you consider Political Idealists ‘optimistic’ and Political Realists ‘pessimistic’?
Why?
2. What are the attitudes of Idealists and Realists towards:
a. Human nature
b. International Institutions
c. War
d. Peace
3. Summarize Morgenthau’s Six Principles of Political Realism.
2. If a statement is correct mark “P”, and if it is not, mark “O”.
1 Raymond Aron is the author of Politics Among Nations.
2 Kant was an Idealist.
3 Rousseau was a Realist.
37
4. ‘Human nature is essentially good’ is a Political Realist assumption.
5 According to Realists, ‘War is the worst of all evils.’
6 Idealists believe war is inevitable.
7 ‘Bad human behaviour is the product of bad institutions’ according to
Realists.
8 The legal control of war is a Realist solution.
9 Realists believe that ‘progress is possible’
10 Utopianism has the tendency to make Realist political recommendations.
11 Political Realism is basically conservative, empirical and prudent.
12 Political Idealists always stressed on power and interest.
13 Machiavelli’s The Prince presents an ideal ruler who believes in universal
morals.
14 ‘International politics is a struggle for power’ is a political Realist
assumption.
15 Hugo Grotius authored Leviathan.
16 In the opinion of Realists ‘the primary objective of state is to acquire power’.
17 Morgenthau presented six principles of political Realism
18 One of the ‘six principles’ is that the universal moral principles should be
applied to the actions of states.
19 Power is the ultimate aim of the state, according to Idealists.
20 Failure of Wilsonian Idealism contributed to the rise of Realism.
21 Woodrow Wilson prescribed secret treaties.
22 Moral behaviour is what is essential for peace, Morgenthau argued.
23 According to Realists, the political sphere is not authonomous.
Key Terms
Behaviouralism
Classical approaches
E. H. Carr
Fourteen Points
38
Grotius
Hans J. Morgenthau
Immanuel Kant
Nicolo Machiavelli
Political Idealism
Political Realism
Rousseau
Six Principles of Political Realism
St. Pierre
Thomas Hobbes
Traditional approaches
Traditionalism
Woodrow Wilson
*Reading List
Baylis, John and Steve Smith. 2005. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to
International Relations.
Goldstein, Jashua S. 2004. International Relations.
Hans J. Morgenthau.1978. Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace.
Holsti, K.J. 1997. International Politics: Framework for Analysis.
Jones, Walter S. 1991. The Logic of International Relations.
CHAPTER FIVE
39
Destruction of World War II
International Relations as a Science
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this chapter, students will gain an understanding as to whether International
Relations is a science.
Introduction
At some stage in its development, treating any academic discipline or a subject as a ‘science’ is
not only a fashion. Many believe that it is an actual outcome. For them, reaching the level of a
‘science’ is an essential part of development. In this process, acquiring at least some features of a
science is considered adequate.
Is International Relations a Science?
In the 1960s and 1970s, the belief of a
group of International Relations analysts
was that it was a science. In fact, there
were several reasons for such a
conclusion.
One was their dissatisfaction with the then
prevailing approaches of the traditional
Idealist and Realist approaches to the
subject. According to these International
Relations analysis, both schools of thought
adopted failed to understand and explain
the behaviour of states in the modern
international system. According to them,
the Idealists were too subjective. They
thought that what they expected was what
really existed and could actually happen.
For them, international law and international institutions could bring about peace. Also arms
40
control and disarmament were considered the answer to the problem of war. However, the events
that led to conflicts and war among nations, proved beyond doubt that all those hopes were
unrealistic. The international political organization established after World War I, the League of
Nations, was unable to accomplish its desired objectives. The ultimate result was the out break of
the more devastating World War II (1939-1945). During the latter part of this war, nuclear
weapons were used against two Japanese cities causing nearly 200,000 deaths and massive
destruction. The nuclear weapon was the culmination of the unmitigated arms race that fuelled
the war. That was also the most devastating experience in the history of mankind. Naturally, the
Idealists were blamed for their inability to foresee these disparaging developments. On the other
hand, even the Realists could not predict them well enough. Quite logically, the critics of
traditional approaches concluded that analyzing International Relations only in terms of Power
and National Interest was too mechanical and far from truth.
Also these critics were influenced by the advancements in natural sciences and the discovery of
new scientific methods. This contributed to the future. It also signalled a move away from
traditionalism. The result was the adoption of the Scientific or Behavioural approach in
opposition to the traditional approaches and methods. Hence, both were the so-called scientific
analysis in international relations.
A group of scholars who were dissatisfied with traditionalism of the Political Idealists and
Political Realists rejected the premises of traditional international politics and developed
behavioural/quantitative methodology as a modem approach to International Relations. This was
also the result of the considerable expansion of interest in theoretical analysis, especially content
analysis. In a new effort to explain international politics, the insights from biology, psychology,
anthropology, sociology and other behavioural sciences were used extensively. The adoption of
ideas borrowed from sciences and abstract model building as well as the use of various new
methodologies were emphasized. They were helpful in the understanding of new phenomena
such as ecological factors and the individual-environment interactions in international relations.
The Origin of Behavirouralism
41
The historical origin of Behaviouralism or Scientific analysis dates back to the 1920s. In 1928,
Frank Kent published a book entitled Political Behaviour. This was perhaps the catalyst for the
Behavioural approach to International Relations. Charles Merriem pioneered the Behavioural
trend or movement. David Eastern, Gabriell Almond, Robert Dahl, George Catlin and Karl
Deutsch later joined him. During the 1950s, Behaviouralism became the dominant trend in the
analysis of International Relations. In fact, they tried to answer two main questions:
1. Why people behave (politically) as they do and why, as a result do political processes and
systems, function as they do? This question is based on the premise that political
processes involve human behaviour since all institutions consist of human beings.
2. How can these phenomena be scientifically examined? In this context, it is essential to
analyze the phenomena. To put it rather humorously, it is like searching for the lost key
only in the place where there is light and not in the shadows!
Characteristic Features of Scientific Analysis/Behaviouralism
1. Concentrates on the empirical analysis of the behaviour of persons rather than
events, structures, institutions, or ideologies.
2. It is highly interdisciplinary and ideas are derived from behavioural sciences such
as Social Psychology and Cultural Anthropology.
3. Stresses the interdependence of theory and research. In other words all International
Relations analysis is based on theory. Before analysis, everything is carefully
selected. They are precisely defined as in the natural sciences.
4. Tries to develop rigorous research designs and apply methods and techniques used
in modern sciences. They include model - building and quantification and use of
computer simulation.
5. Embarks on comparative cross-national analysis. This is based on the idea that any
phenomenon is better understood when it is compared with another.
6. Considers that it is necessary to classify events into categories in order to allow
42
investigators to make general statements.
7. Behaviouralists strongly believe in quantification. More than anything else, this
gives a scientific face to International Relations as a discipline.
8. It uses, where possible, (so-called) scientific experiments such as simulation,
games, and role-playing as substitutes for controlled experiments.
It is important to keep in mind that on the one hand, traditional analysis was criticized for being
unscientific or less scientific. On the other hand, Behaviouralism as a scientific analysis, was
criticized for being ‘too scientific’. Therefore, some scholars looked for a middle path or method
between Traditionalism and Science. The outcome of this search was the adoption of what is
called Post-Behaviouralism.
Critique of Behaviouralism
The Scientific or Behavioural approach was not without its critics. The Traditionalists were the
strongest critics of it and prominent among them was Hedley Bull.
Hedley Bull in his The Case for Classical Approach (1996) described the Behavioural approach
as a positively harmful approach, which has contributed very little to the theory of International
Relations.
Bull gives the following reasons:
1. Behaviouralists are denying themselves of instruments presently available for grasping
the substance of International Relations. These include intuitions.
2. The judgments they make are arrived at without mathematical or scientific methods.
3. Progress cannot be made if they insist on a manageable number of variables.
4. A disservice to the theory is done by construction and manipulation of so-called models.
5. The rigour and precision may be introduced within the classical approach.
6. The fetish for measurement prevents qualitative inquiries.
7. Behaviouralists deprive themselves of self-criticism by ignoring history and philosophy.
Post Behaviouralism
43
The dissatisfaction with the Behavioural approach for being ‘too scientific’ and undermining the
substance of politics, resulted in the ‘Post-Behavioural revolution’ in the 1960s. The Post-
Behaviouralists suggest that:
1. Substance is primary to technique and that the problems of society are more important
than the analytical tools. In simple language, what is analyzed is more important than
how it is analyzed.
2. Detachment from ideology is unbearably conservative and too much abstraction creates a
vast gap between the analysis and reality.
Clarification
It was mentioned earlier that one of the distinct characteristics of the Scientific approach was
its particular terminology. Given below are a selected number of such terms.
Scientific method
This method has several features. Any one of many methods could be used in an attempt to be
‘scientific’. On the whole they include: (1) the search for laws of cause and effect; (2) the
introduction of a theory which may involve entities not normally observed (e.g. the atomic
theory); (3) the derivation of predictions from theory; and (4) the division of reality into
‘natural kinds’.
Scientism
This is on the whole a belief that the scientific method is applicable to all human problems. It
is also the only possible solution to them. Those who oppose scientism think that it cannot be
applied universally. On one hand, it can lead to false knowledge. On the other hand, those
possible errors may be avoided by what is called ‘human intuition’.
Intuition
44
This is the ability of human beings to gain knowledge through experience, using the senses and
general logical observation. The so-called scientific methods are not necessary to come to
correct conclusions.
Behaviouralism/Behaviourism
Behaviouralism/Behaviourism is the psychological theory that the scientific study of the mind
is confined to the study of behaviour without reference to the consciousness or utterances. It is
a philosophical theory as well. According to this, there is nothing important in the mind
besides behaviour. When applied to the social sciences. especially politics, the belief is that
behaviour is formed in response to previous behaviour. The self-consciousness of the subject
plays no important role in the process of social development.
Content analysis
Content analysis is the systematic and usually computer-aided study of speeches, newspaper
reports, novels and writings etc. for the purpose of producing some new descriptions or
classification of the content. The content is both objectively testable and useful for proposes of
scientific research or political decision-making.
Intuitionism
Intuitionism is any theory of knowledge or the way of knowing, which holds the view that
there are things that are absolutely certain and self-evident knowledge.
Value
Also ‘value judgment’ a statement, which assert or implies that some thing, person or situation
is good or bad, and some action ought or ought not to be taken.
Norm
Two main uses need to be distinguished. (1) What is normal or usual behaviour in some
community or social group (2) An ideal or standard to which people think behaviour ought to
conform, or which some legislating authority lays down. Normative is in general, concerned
with rules, recommendations, or proposals as contrasted with mere description or the statement
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of matters of fact.
Quantification
Quantification is in general the expression of a property or quality of any thing in numerical
terms. Properties that can usefully be expressed in these terms are said to be quantifiable.