Page
1.0 Introduction
3
2.0 The development of IR as an academic discipline
4-8
3.0 Actors in IR
8-12
4.0 The Nature of IR
12-14
5.0 The Scope of IR
14-15
6.0 Conclusion
16
7.0 Bibliography
17
1
1.0 Introduction
International Relations (IR) is a term that is used to identify all interactions between state-based actors across state boundaries1 (Evans and Newnham 1998). What is meant by
International Relations (IR)? International Relations refer to both discipline as well as the process between the entities2. (Rusli 2011) Several scholars have different interpretation in IR, according to Hans J. Morgenthau, International Relations as a struggle force and the use of power among the states. International Relations is a process by which the nation tries to serve their national interest, which may be a conflict in actor nation and by means of their policy and nation3. (Rusli 2011) Whereas K.J Holsti argues that IR may refer to all forms of interaction between the members of separate societies, whether sponsored by the government or not, the study of international relations would include the analysis of foreign policies or political processes between the nations, however, with its interest in all fact of relations between distinct societies, it would include as well studies or international trade, transportation, communication and the development of international values and ethics4 (Rusli 2011). In a simple word, this scholar stated that
International Relations is a process between state and non-state actors.
IR started in the early 1900 as an academic discipline to study state behavior, where conflict is the main focused of the behavior. The study of war has become the important focus of the subject, eventually the field is dominated by conflictual studies in the early
19th to 20th century. In 1950’s, the focus on the field subject has changed as cooperation between state actors appear. The
Bibliography: (5thEd.). New York: Pearson, 2011. London: Penguin Books, 1998. Goldstein, Joshua S., and Jon C. Pevehouse. International Relations (10th Ed.). New York: Pearson, 2012. Nation-States."Alternatives: Turkish Journal of International Relations", 2003. http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/1975/1975-1-1.htm (accessed 11/03/2013). http://www.scribd.com/doc/49013482/THE-MEANING-SCOPE-AND-NATUREOF-INTERNATIONAL-RELATIONS. (accessed 11/03/2013) 16