International Relations

International Relations (IR) as a course of study reflects the dynamics of the International System. The System is
a complex web with multiple but mutually functioning components and is characterized by interfacing changes
and continuities, which are instrumental in the dynamic nature of the discipline. IR is a broad discipline that
encapsulates the multivariate aspects of man in the global contexts. It is what can be described as a fusion of
social science disciplines.
-INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, Sheriff Folarin, PhD (2011)

The discipline of International Relations (IR) is the academic study of the origins and consequences (both
empirical and normative) of a world divided among states. It includes a variety of sub-fields such as diplomatic
statecraft and foreign policy analysis, comparative politics, historical sociology, international political economy,
international history, strategic studies and military affairs, ethics, and international political theory.
-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE KEY CONCEPTS, Martin Griffiths (2002)

Diplomacy:
Diplomacy is the entire process through which states conduct their foreign relations. It is the means for allies to
cooperate and for adversaries to resolve conflicts without force.
-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE KEY CONCEPTS, Martin Griffiths (2002)

Diplomacy is defined as “the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations” in order to
implement those polices and pursue those interests.
-Edward Marks (2015)

Foreign Policy:
“The system of activities evolved by communities for changing the behaviour of other states and for adjusting
their own activities to the international environment´
-George Modelski,“A Theory of Foreign Policy”, London : Pall Mall Press, 1962

“Foreign policy is the key element in the process by which a state translates its broadly conceived goals and
interests into concrete courses of action to attain these objectives and pressure its interests”.
-Norman J. Padelford and George A. Lincoln, “The Dynamics of International Politics,”

International Politics:
“International Politics constitute relations and interactions among nations. As in politics, so in international
politics, there are sovereign states whose interests are not identical. It is a process in which nations try to
protect their incompatible interest by means of power.”
-Sri. P. K. Varghese (2011)

“International Politics include analysis of political relations and problems of peace among nations. Further he
writes, It “is struggle for and use of power among nations.”
-H.J. Morgenthau

Development of international relations is not a new subject in the history of society. Traces of it can be followed
from the Roman Empire through the influence of the Catholic Church with monarchs, and into our globalized
world. What made International Relations so relevant was its introduction in Adam’s Smith liberal economics
theory, where supply and demand would free market capitalism to its highest level of efficiency.