Question

Discuss three historical events that you believe have shaped the discipline of International Relations.

Answer 1

First World War:

At the end phase of the First World War ,International Relations were taught by diplomatic historians who saw this as a description of pasr events rather than the analysis of the present and its impcat on the future.

After this phase ,only the study of current affairs was stressed upon. This was also a partial approach as it gave importance to only the current/present without much reference to the past . Both of these approaches were one sided.

After The First World war ,the emphasis was shifted to a reformistic approach ,objective of which was to establish a healthy world order free of war and conflicts.International law and international organization were given importance.

Second World War

This war shook peoples faith in the utility of international organizations and law as an instrument of peace. The emphasis shifted to making a scientific analysis of the developmant in international politics.Studies were conducted to chech on what causes war and how to avoid it. Forces and influences which shape the and condition the behaviour of states became the main concern of the study . The objective of studying international relations was not to praise or condemn the international conflicts and crisis ,but to understand them.

Realists becoming the prevalent school

In 1950's and early 60's the Realists became the prevalent school. The chief among all the realists ,were EH Carr, Hans J. Morgenthau ,Kenneth W etc. Their collective message about how world politics and international politics should be , can be described as opposite to what idealists said. According to the realists, power is both the mean and the end and International politics is nothing but stuggle for power . Every state seeks more power which eventually helps them fulfill other important national interests.