The document discusses various definitions and theories of international relations. It notes that IR can refer to diplomatic relations between states, cross-border economic and social transactions, or the study of globalization. There is no single agreed upon definition because the subject matter is complex and definitions reflect scholars' interests. Common elements in definitions include state sovereignty and the anarchic international system. Theories help explain phenomena like war and provide normative guidance. The scope of IR includes international political economy, organizations, foreign policy, and conflict studies.

1. Theories of International
Relations
Bilal Aslam
Department of Politics & IR
Lahore Leads University

2. Defining International Relations
 IR means the diplomatic-strategic relations of
states
 Focus of study are issues of war and peace
 IR is the study of cross-broader transactions of
all kinds, political, economic and social
 Focus is on trade negotiations and operations of non-
state institutions
 IR is the study of globalization.
 Focus of study is on World communication, transport
and financial system.

3. Why IR has no single definition?
Interplay between real world and the world of
knowledge
IR subject matter is not self defining
Nature of politics is also contested
Definitions reflect the interests of scholars.
Definitions are not politically neutral

4. Features of Conventional Definitions
State sovereignty
Anarchy- No centralized authority at global level
Study issues of war, peace and security
Main focus is on International Politics

5. Assessment
Each definition has its particular take
Limiting principle: IR is the study of cross-border
transactions in general
The nature of these transactions to be interpreted by
scholars

6. Summarized Definition
Study of foreign affairs and global issues among
states within the international system, including the
roles of States, Inter-governmental Organizations
(IGO’s), Non-governmental Organizations
(NGO’s), and Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

7. Role of Theory
Theory: Thinking in-depth in an abstract way to
express reflective thought.
Questions for theory
 How things work?
 Why things happen?
 What something or other mean?
 What we should do?

8. How Theory Helps?
Obvious/unobvious phenomena
 People run out of a burning building
 Why people run into burning building?
 Wars are fought on the basis of cost-benefit analysis
(self defence, security)
 Why wars are fought when costs are more than
benefits?

9. Kinds of Theories
Explanatory theories
Why and under what circumstances wars happen?
Normative/Prescriptive theories
Whether we should participate or not in a conflict?
Interpretative theories
What is the meaning of the events?

10. Plurality of the Versions of Theory
 Theories are based on ideas and concepts, which
have political implications
 Every version of theory is contestable.
 Definition of power is either relational or structural
 IR produces theories on widest canvas ( theories of
global relations)
 Difference of politics of different regions

11. How to Study IR
To resist defining IR in single models
Live with quite high levels of ambiguity
Not commit to one particular way of looking at world
To explore the world from different perspectives.
Then identify oneself with particular theory or
paradigm
This decision ought to be come not at the beginning
but at the end of study.

12. Scope of IR
International Political Economy
International Organizations
Foreign Policy-making
Strategic Studies
Peace & Conflict Studies

13. Historical Development
“international relations”
Traced back to the peace of Westphalia of 1648
Development of Modern State system
Institution of legal concept of Sovereignty
Rise of independent Nation States
Institutionalization of Diplomacy and Army
Exported to Africa, Americas and Asia via Colonialism &
“Standards of Civilizations”

14. Theoretical Development
“International Relations-IR”
IR as distinct field of study is entirely British-
centered
IR theorizing begins in early 20th century
The great Illusion by Norman Angell (1909)
1919: Chair in International Politics at the
University of Wales
1920’s: First IR department established at the
London School of Economics