The document discusses various perspectives on the meaning and scope of international relations (IR). It addresses traditional narrow and broader views, as well as perspectives put forth by scholars like Holsti, Wright, Hoffmann, and Mathiesen. Evolutionary phases of IR are examined, including the historical, legalistic, organizational, Cold War, post-behavioral, and current phases. Differences between IR and international politics are explored. The scope and approaches to studying IR are summarized, including traditional, scientific, behavioral, post-behavioral, and system approaches. Realist and idealist theories under the traditional approach are also summarized briefly.
