๐ International Relations
A Comprehensive Overview of Global Politics & Diplomacy
๐๏ธ Nation
A group of people who share common characteristics such as culture, language, history, or ethnicity. Example: The Kurdish people, who share a common language and culture, form a nation.
๐๏ธ State
A political entity with defined borders, a government, and the ability to make and enforce laws within its territory. Example: France is a state with its own government, laws, and borders.
๐๏ธ Nation-State
A country where the people (nation) and the political entity (state) largely overlap. The government represents the interests and identity of a specific nation. Example: Japan.
๐๏ธ City-State
A sovereign city that governs itself and the surrounding territory. Historical examples include ancient Athens and Sparta. Modern examples: Singapore and Vatican City.
๐๏ธ Early Beginnings
The concept of international relations goes back to Greek city-states. The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) ended the Thirty Years War and established the concept of nation-states and the principle of sovereignty, marking the beginning of the modern international system.
๐๏ธ Post World War I Era
The establishment of the League of Nations – the first international organization whose primary mission was to maintain world peace. Despite this move towards international cooperation, the League failed to prevent World War II.
๐ Post World War II Era
Creation of the United Nations and Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) as key elements of a new international order. This period marked the beginning of the Cold War – ideological confrontation between the Western bloc (US-led) and Eastern bloc (Soviet-led).
๐ Post-Cold War Era (Early 1990s)
The end of the Cold War led to a unipolar world with the United States as the sole superpower. This era was marked by proliferation of global trade, rapid globalization, emphasis on liberal democracy and human rights, and transition of former Soviet bloc countries to market economies.
๐ Rise of New Powers
Emerging economies, notably China and India, are challenging traditional Western dominance, causing tensions and increasing complexity in international relations.
๐ Globalization
Global interconnection of economies, societies, and cultures has intensified, bringing benefits like economic growth and cultural exchange, but also issues like income inequality and cultural homogenization.
๐ฅ Terrorism & Non-State Actors
Non-state actors like terrorist groups and NGOs increasingly influence international relations. Global terrorism, particularly since 9/11, has led to international military and political cooperation against such threats.
๐ฟ Climate Change
Environmental degradation has become a major issue in international relations. Efforts like the Paris Agreement have been made, but progress remains slow.
๐ป Digital Technology & Cybersecurity
Rapid advancement of digital technology has created new arenas for international cooperation and conflict, including cybersecurity, digital rights, and the digital economy.
๐ฆ Global Pandemics
Recent global health crises, particularly COVID-19, have highlighted the need for international cooperation in healthcare and exposed difficulties in coordinating global responses.
International Relations
The study and interactions between countries on a global scale.
Sovereignty
The authority of a state to govern itself independently without external interference.
Diplomacy
The practice of managing international relations and conflicts through negotiations and dialogue.
Realism
A theory emphasizing state interests, power, and security as primary motivations for actions.
Liberalism
A theory emphasizing cooperation, international institutions, and diplomacy to achieve peace and progress.
Constructivism
A theory emphasizing the role of ideas, identities, and perceptions in shaping state behavior.
Globalization
The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries and economies.
Non-State Actors
Entities or groups that are not governments but play a significant role in international relations.
Bipolar System
A situation where power is concentrated between two major superpowers or blocs.
Unipolar System
A situation where one superpower or dominant country holds significant influence.
League of Nations
International organization founded after WWI to promote peace and cooperation (precursor to the UN).
United Nations
International organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, cooperation, and international law.