Introduction of International Relations in modern era
FOLLOWING the end of World War-I and II the nature and concept of International Relations have transformed with new realities and pillars of Power politics.
The emergence of new ideologies around the world and collapse of European Colonial Empires, the conduct of IR have changed.
As man is social animal of the society so are the states in the International comity or international System.
As man cannot live, alone consequently states cannot sustain individually.Therefore, like man state have to maintain all forms of relations including diplomatic, commercial and strategic relations for numerous reasons and compulsions.
The main factor of fear and benefit to maintain relations among states is to acquire benefit in vital fields of life and preserve existence of state against internal and external dangers.
The benefit is accruing from cooperation in various vital fields.The fear of loss of existence politically, economically, subjugated by other strong states compels states to maintain relations to preserve its Ideological, territorial integrity and political independence.
The factors of fear and benefit started the historical process of international relations among states throughout the annals of history.
It is a multifaceted field where every state has to take steps and devise strategy considering not only its interests but also the interest, intentions and aspirations of other states.
As Rousseau said, man is born free but everywhere he is in chains.similarly, every state is free to pursue independent internal and external policy, yet it have to take into account the sentiments and anticipated repercussions of foe and friend.
International Relations are that branch of Social Science, which relates to the external interaction of State with each other.
George Bernard Shaw the famous dramatist and the thinker of the 20th century calls political science as the sciences by alone civilization can be saved but following the end of World Wars 1 and 11 in 1945 International Relations have superseded the role of Political science, confined it to the boundaries of a state.
International Relations through its fresh course of interaction proved that it could save the inhabitants of world from annihilation.
The International Relations have entirely altered the concept of interaction among states to coexist with one another in conflict and cooperation for global peace and human security.
International Relations have proved that its intercourse have transformed the world into inhabitable global village.
The shattering of chains of colonial powers from world, the reemergence of Russia and China on the stage of world politics hitherto occupied by the United States and its allies further widened and superseded the old pattern of International Relations.
The successful working of United Nations system and its gradual eminence in world affairs have given International Relations a new contour in which every state feels secure and finds a viable forum where they can raise their voice against even a powerful state for their protection.
These developments in the world have entirely transformed and widened the definition, nature and significance of International Relations in the modern world.
Today’s International Relations is absolutely different from the International Relations of pre World Wars, end of Cold War, fall of Berlin Wall and merger of Europe, fall of the Soviet Union, Iran Iraq war, Gulf War, Incident of 9/11 and withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan.
The international system has become somewhat less polarized and more flexible.The power of International Relations has forced states to pursue simultaneously the approach of conflict and cooperation to avoid confrontation, destruction and war.
Worst enemies of the past are cooperating with each other despite divergent policies and approaches on global issues.
The International Relations have compelled states to coexist and live in conflict and cooperation.
The International Relations have compelled states to relinquish ideological considerations to economic and survival interests of the entire humanity.
The International Relations have given power to UN system and to grater extent; states willingly have relinquished sovereignty for collective wellbeing of Global peace and Human security.
In the new era of International Relations, every state is searching for procuring its vital interest without coming into conflict with other states.
—The writer is Principal at College of Superior Service, Sukkur.
