...DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE FOURAH BAY COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF SIERRA LEONE Module: Introduction to International Relations (Pols 411) First Semester, 2008 Instructor (Lecturer): Ms. Lena Thompson Name: Josephus J. Ellie Final Year, History and Politics Essay Topic: “Critically Evaluate Post War Realist Explanation of International Politics with Particular Reference to Power” Introduction The tradition of political realism – realpolitik, power politics – has a long history that is typically traced back to the great Greek historian Thucydides in the fifth century BC. Although dominant attitudes towards realism have varied, realist arguments and orientations have been central to the Western theory and practice of international relations. “In particular, “modern” international society, whether dated from the era of Machiavelli at the turn of the sixteenth century or that of Hobbes in the mid-seventeenth century, has been closely linked to realist balance of power politics. The link between realism and international theory is especially strong in the twentieth century. International relations first emerged as an academic discipline before and immediately after World War I, largely in reaction against realist balance of power politics. The discipline was then reshaped immediately before and after World War II by self-identified realists such as E. H. Carr and Hans Morgenthau. Prominent scholar-practitioners, such as George Kennan and Henry Kissinger, have called themselves...
Words: 2497 - Pages: 10
...DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE FOURAH BAY COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF SIERRA LEONE Module: Introduction to International Relations (Pols 411) First Semester, 2008 Instructor (Lecturer): Ms. Lena Thompson Name: Josephus J. Ellie Final Year, History and Politics Essay Topic: “Critically Evaluate Post War Realist Explanation of International Politics with Particular Reference to Power” Introduction The tradition of political realism – realpolitik, power politics – has a long history that is typically traced back to the great Greek historian Thucydides in the fifth century BC. Although dominant attitudes towards realism have varied, realist arguments and orientations have been central to the Western theory and practice of international relations. “In particular, “modern” international society, whether dated from the era of Machiavelli at the turn of the sixteenth century or that of Hobbes in the mid-seventeenth century, has been closely linked to realist balance of power politics. The link between realism and international theory is especially strong in the twentieth century. International relations first emerged as an academic discipline before and immediately after World War I, largely in reaction against realist balance of power politics. The discipline was then reshaped immediately before and after World War II by self-identified realists such as E. H. Carr and Hans Morgenthau. Prominent scholar-practitioners...
Words: 2505 - Pages: 11
...relating to peace and non-violence, but for the purpose of this essay only the area of international relations will be examined. “We are in a new millennium, and the time has come to review the age-old challenges with new thinking wherein we can conceive pf peace as not simply the absence of violence, but the active presence of the capacity for a higher evolution of the human awareness, of respect, trust, and integrity; wherein we all may tap the infinite capabilities of humanity to transform consciousness and conditions which impel or compel violence at a personal, group, or national level toward developing a new understanding of, and a commitment to, compassion and love, in order to create a “shining city on a hill”, a light of which is the light of nations”.[1] The Department of Peace and Nonviolence would consist of a Secretary who would be appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. The department would be staffed by six Assistant Secretaries and one General Counsel who would also be appointed by the president with the consent of the Senate. For the purpose of this essay three roles will be examined; that of the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary of International Peace Activities, and the Secretary for Arms Control and Disarmament. Again the legislation covers myriad of topics relating to peace and non-violence only those duties relating to the development of international peace will be examined. The legislation also call for the creation of a peace academy...
Words: 2629 - Pages: 11
...money, power, fame, intellect or politics? If you ask me, I believe that in terms, it is all the above. If you have a lot of money, which it basically says “money talks and bull crap walks” and to be power and politics goes hand in hand. There isn’t one without the other. This world that we live in today is all about politics, where it seems that you have to bend over and kiss butts just to get by or to keep your job. In order to get this or that in life, sometimes you have to know the “right” people in “higher” places. It’s not right but unfortunately that is how it is. With politics, comes along with conflicts. There are debates when it comes down to it. During the Presidential campaigning, there are debates between two people address the nation with a lot of problem solving concerning the issues of the world. One party is stating what they believe that is better for the world while the other party will beg the difference. Both parties will make each other out to be liars but in all reality, Politian’s are just that; liars. Debates are great to have to know which party will win, back down and which party will get caught up in a lie. My all time favorite of listening to Politian’s is that when they are debating, they will refuse to answer a question and will walk away. All a political debate is just a conflict between parties having disagreements about Medicare, welfare, health insurance, etc. This research paper will inform you of the United Nations Union, the European Union and...
Words: 1002 - Pages: 5
...1 The Foundations of International Society 2013-2014 Part I: Politics 2 (International Relations I) Paper organiser: Professor Christopher Hill (POLIS): Room 105, Alison Richard Building Email: cjh68@cam.ac.uk Lecturers: Professor Hill (CH), Dr Elisabetta Brighi (EB), Dr Aaron Rapport (AR) and Dr Stefano Recchia (SR). Aims and Objectives The course aims to introduce students to the subject of International Relations (IR), whose main focus is the nature of politics at the international level. Students will acquire the empirical and conceptual foundations needed to understand a world political system which cannot be accurately described as either pure anarchy or a coherent form of ‘global governance’. The starting point is the notion of ‘international society’, which refers to the set of institutions and common procedures generated by states over the last three and a half centuries in their attempts to achieve some minimal form of co-existence, but which has gradually evolved to include many non-state actors and different levels of activity – diplomatic, economic and cultural, as well as that of military competition. By the end of the course you should be able to have an informed discussion about: the historical origins of the present system; what is distinctive about international politics as opposed to politics inside the state; and the main challenges which confront humanity in the twenty-first century. You will also acquire a basic familiarity with the main theories needed...
Words: 12326 - Pages: 50
...Diplomatic History Dr. Oreste Foppiani Although the term liberalism, in the political sense, became very popular in the early 1970’s, actions that would qualify as liberalism had begun to take place since, at the latest, after the Second World War, and probably before that time. The aftermath of the Second World War was the beginning of wide spread international cooperation, and the period immediately after the war signified the beginning of international organizations and the beginning of political and economic cooperation amongst the most powerful countries at the time. Because of the effects of the war, most countries had no other choice but to cooperate with each other in order to recover from the economic downturn after World War II. This period after the war marked the beginning of a series of actions that would eventually lead to the globalized and interdependent political economy that we have today. At the end of the Second World War, most of the former super powers (Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany) were in ruins. The only two true winners of the war were the United States and the Soviet Union. However, the United States was the only country to come out of World War 2 with a stable and efficient economy as well as an intact army and the capacity to produce nuclear weapons (this was very crucial at that time). With most of the world’s economy in jeopardy, the leaders of these powerful countries made a decision to come together to revive themselves. They decided...
Words: 2219 - Pages: 9
...prosperity. However, with time because of influences emanating from both the international politics as well as from his own legal advisors, he adopted policies that suited the conditions of the occasion. For instance, during his era, there was the interplay between realism and liberalism. Realism was manifested at the time when his concerns leaned more on his quest to acquire the interests of the nation. However, he seemed to choose a different approach especially after the September 11, 2001 attack. At this time, the interests of the nation were to be abandoned and promote more for the security of the nation. Realism is a theory of international relations which holds the view that the interest of a nation overrides other considerations such as the moral values. Furthermore, actions undertaken by government leaders do not take into account the effect that such deeds may have on other sovereign states. They are therefore, likely to violate the ethical considerations when pursuing their goals and interests from other states. The idea of realism is closely related to the ideas of Thomas Hobbes of people in a state of nature. They are considered to attempt to gratify their own needs without caring for the other individuals. It perceives people as fiercely competitive and selfish. People in their quest to accomplish their needs can use all means in order to achieve their desired goals. The international political principles and accountability are less regarded as long as...
Words: 3232 - Pages: 13
...prevent deeper multilateral cooperation. | Introduction World War I proved that the governance of international relations was insufficient. The League of Nations was then created in an ambitious attempt to construct a global order. However with the outbreak of World War II instability, debt, and death surged. This created pressure to establish institutions which could facilitate international cooperation. The United Nations, General Agreement on Tariff and Trade, and the Bretton Woods institutions were created in order to bring about stability in the international political economy. “Over a time these developed into a form of global governance.” Charles Kindleberger proposed the hegemonic stability theory. He stated the reason for the Great Depression and for World War I and II was the absence of a strong leader to coordinate macroeconomic policies needed for a stable financial system. Robert Gilpin adds, there must be world hegemony to ensure world order. The leader will advance its status quo by utilizing its power to foster trade liberalization and a stable monetary system, while seeking cooperation of other states and coerce reluctant states to obey the rules of liberal international economic order. Other states will seek the leader’s assistance for economic and security interest and the leader will protect these smaller states to maintain power. The international system experienced new phenomenon. After the end of the Cold War, America rose as world hegemony and...
Words: 4309 - Pages: 18
...and others torn apart. The world has seen empires fall and superpowers rise to take their place, only to become locked in the ideological Cold War that left all in fear of nuclear war. No country remained unaffected by the conflict of the United States (US) and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Consequently, Cold War politics continue to affect modern the actions and reputations of countries globally even long after its end in 1989. The Cold War refers to the...
Words: 1675 - Pages: 7
...Politics 223 2014 International Relations International event 24316563 E.S Zulu 13.07.2014 Introduction International relation is a fast moving subject of study; it came too recognised as academic discipline. Despite adjective international, the field is concerned with much more than relations between or amongst state. Other actors such as international organisation, Multination Corporation, and terrorist groups are now all of what could more correctively be termed world politics. Different perspectives on the international relations naturally generate debates. In 1930’s realist and idealist argued over the nature of the international politics and the possibility of the peaceful change and the Marxist critics (Paul and Mark, 1987:1-3). International Relations According to Johari (2009:1-39) the international relations are the study of the political and social interaction of state, non-state and individuals. In the recent years the increasing interaction among these actors, coupled with advances in informational technology and the spread of human rights, have raised many new questions for international relations scholars, practitioners, and students. International relations as a discipline is chiefly concerned with what state do on the world stage and in turn, how their actions affect other states, correspondingly states are a common unit of analysis in theories of international relation, many analysis focus on states and their interactions to explain observed patterns...
Words: 2394 - Pages: 10
...‘The failures of environmental multilateralism demonstrate the need for a World Environment Organisation.’ Critically evaluate this claim. One of the main challenges that face environmental politics today is a significant lack of integration between the global governance structures that address ecological matters. The international trade system has some of the most powerful institutional actors, such as the World Trade Organisation, where legal rules are supported by a dispute resolution body, trade sanctions, as well as the power to authorise other retaliation tactics when a country does not comply with a ruling (Eckersley 2003.) In contrast, the existing multilateral framework for environmental politics provides a fragmented, and incoherent arrangement to govern some of the most important ecological issues. Organisations like the United Nations Environmental Programme, for example, are supported by voluntary member state contributions, and lack the financial foundation, as well as the legal mandate to express sound environmental policy-making. As quoted by Eckersley (2003), “judged in terms of size and teeth, we might regard the WTO as a large tiger and MEAs as a ragged collection of small cats” (pp. 2.) This paper makes the case for a reorganisation of environmental governance, with the specific transformation of UNEP into a World Environment Organisation (WEO.) A WEO is argued to be able to provide an authoritative voice and force to issues of the global commons...
Words: 2688 - Pages: 11
...In the book War and Change in World Politics, Robert Gilpin presents a rationalist and realistic argument for international relations. The argument is that an international system is created because actors create social, political and economical structures to advance their interests. The structure reflects the interests of those who are most dominant in the system. The structure will inevitably change due to many reasons that are provided throughout the book. Robert Gilpin succeeds in providing support for his main argument by applying his theories to many examples in history. His reasoning in supporting his argument were clear, concise and easy to follow, which made the book a pleasurable read. The book starts out by providing four assumptions, which divides the book into 4 sections. In each section Gilpin provides examples that are heavily rational and applicable. This division made the book easy to follow and helped readers to understand how each assumption supported the argument. Each assumption was used to support the main argument of the book. The first assumption that was used is “An international system is stable if no state believes it profitable to attempt to change the system.” (Gilpin, page 11). Gilpins approach to support this assumption is of a realist approach. Gilpin starts out by supporting his argument through deductive reasoning. These reasons are carried out in an informative manner that can be easily supported by historical events and examples. As he...
Words: 1371 - Pages: 6
...* * * * * * * * INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AS AN EXAMPLE; UNITED NATIONS Its goal and efforts * * * * * What are the international Organisations? International organisations ‘represent the apex of a pyramid of multilateral diplomacy. At the base of this pyramid are the issues suitable for negotiation. Above this is the process of negotiation in which states agree norms or rules, and only in certain cases does this process of negotiation create the appropriate organisation or institutions’ (Imber, 1992). One can classify these organisations into various categories concerning of their functions. Such as: a) International financial institutions b) Commodity cartels c) World trade d) Sustainable economic development e) Food security f) Human rights g) The environment h) Regional organisations i) Health j) Emergency/disaster relief k) Security These organisations can be listed as Inter-governmental and non-governmental organisation too. * Theory and International Organizations One tries to establish a theory which aims to explain international organisations. His theory bases on ‘a principal-agent (P-A) model of international organization in which groups of member governments sometimes empower their IO agents with real decision-making authority. …7 Member governments (making up the principal) hire an IO (agent) to perform some functions that will...
Words: 3371 - Pages: 14
...to Eradicate Genocide Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Abstract When it comes to global criminology, the subject is fatal in the sense of reprisals accustomed to it. In any case, international criminal activities are largely based geopolitical factors rather than the genuine purpose of ending human to human barbarism. This paper will attempt to prove that ‘global community’ commitment to end genocide events is categorically challenged by lack of sufficient devotion to ‘the pledge’ to eradicate the vice. The paper is structured into three main parts and one secondary part. The background will attempt to examine the scholarly effort attempting to relate the basis of global community pledge and the general act of genocide. A further sub category of this part will introduce the role played by United Nations in minimizing genocide. The second section will be substantial in analyzing past genocide events; courtesy of three relevant examples, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Rwanda. In this section, the document will examine the various roles played by United Nations in fueling the genocide. The third section will examine 21 century events, and how United Nations has chosen a back player in preventing the occurrences of these genocides. The secondary section will attempt to examine the role played by International Criminal Court and how it has been challenged in limiting genocide events. Background Research has attempted relate the end of the holocaust and the emergence of non-allied political...
Words: 3536 - Pages: 15
...master it only if we face it together. And that is why we have the United Nations” - Kofi Annan 1. The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the UN Charter had been ratified by a majority of the original 51 Member States. The day is now celebrated each year around the world as United Nations Day. 2. The purpose of the United Nations is to bring all nations of the world together to work for peace and development, based on the principles of justice, human dignity and the well-being of all people. It affords the opportunity for countries to balance global interdependence and national interests when addressing international problems. 3. There are currently 192 Members of the United Nations. They meet in the General Assembly, which is the closest thing to a world parliament. Each country, large or small, rich or poor, has a single vote, however, none of the decisions taken by the Assembly are binding. Nevertheless, the Assembly's decisions become resolutions that carry the weight of world governmental opinion. 4 he United Nations Headquarters is in New York City but the land and buildings are international territory. The United Nations has its own flag, its own post office and its own postage stamps. Six official languages are used at the United Nations - Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. The UN European Headquarters is in the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. 5. The UN is not an independent, homogeneous...
Words: 1948 - Pages: 8
