Abstract
An important turning point in world politics was reached with the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of a stable unipolar structure. When it came to regulating international relations, the role of military force waned as intellectual and ideological conceptions evolved, the economic component rose in prominence while the scientific and technological revolution sprang to life. State control over technology and state control over ideology were the dominant concepts in international relations at the time. As a result of the emergence of new non-state players, politics lost much of its social and economic significance. At the expense of politics that relies on reason and intellect, it was dominated by sectarian, ethnic, and doctrinal components. A definite divide emerged between different cultures, some forces create problems while others analyze theirs, yet the concept that creates reality is far more important than that which explains it.
TopIntroduction
International relations theory seeks to provide insights into political events at the international level, including wars and crises. It offers a range of tools and approaches to help us organize facts and data and make sense of complex phenomena. The development of this field can be traced back to the works of influential thinkers such as Machiavelli and Pierre Depuy in the 14th and 15th centuries. Over time, ideas about international relations continued to evolve, shaped by events such as the creation of the nation-state in 1648 and the First World War in 1914 (Bueger & Gadinger 2007, 90-110).
Following the end of the Cold War, numerous explanations emerged to understand the post-bipolar world and the shift away from a balance of power towards unipolar dominance. This change, coupled with the proliferation of new information sources, has forced political science to develop new analytical methods to make sense of the evolving landscape (Boltanski 2022). In addition, the primary objective of diplomacy has traditionally been to safeguard and enhance the strategic interests of the state, rather than manage external relations (Adler 2005). As a result, there is a growing recognition that academic contributions to the field should be directed towards informing public policy.
The conventional theoretical frameworks and methodologies have become inadequate in dealing with the complex problems of the post-Cold War world. The increasing globalization and technological advancements, as well as the limitations of nation-states as units of analysis in international relations, have led to the emergence of new intellectual and conceptual patterns, methodologies, and analytical tools to keep pace with these shifts (Zhu & Nie 2010, 98-115).
Research in this field is crucial in helping decision-makers understand how existing strategic theories interact with each other and with other speculative theories. Some scholars believe that many contemporary international relations theories are attempts to consolidate Western dominance over the field, with conflicts with communism and Islam serving as the primary points of contention. They argue that there is a need to restore balance to the international system, rather than creating chaos by maximizing opposing forces.
The Cold War had a significant impact on international relations theory, transforming the units of analysis and shifting the focus towards economic factors rather than politics. This led to the emergence of new approaches and theories that aimed to avoid the confusion of the Cold War (Mayer 2012, 165-85). The comparative approach has been useful in explaining similarities and differences in contemporary international events, as well as analyzing transformations and developments in international relations theory.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Liberalism: In international relations, it refers to a theory focusing on the role of institutions, international norms, and ethical values in shaping global politics.
Soft Power: A concept developed by Joseph Nye, referring to the ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce, using cultural and ideological influence.
Non-State Actors: Individuals or groups that hold influence and are active in international relations but do not belong to or represent a government or state.
Multilateralism: The practice of multiple countries working together on a given issue, emphasizing collective action and international institutions.
Clash of Civilizations: A hypothesis proposed by Samuel Huntington that future conflicts will be based on cultural and religious identities rather than ideological or economic divisions.
Information Revolution: The rapid advancement in information and communication technology that has significantly impacted global politics and international relations.
End of History: A theory proposed by Francis Fukuyama, suggesting that the worldwide acceptance of Western liberal democracy may signal the endpoint of humanity's sociocultural evolution and the final form of human government.
Realism: A theory in international relations emphasizing the competitive and conflictual side of international relations and the role of nation-states as primary actors.
New Eurasianism: A geopolitical concept advocating for a strategic alliance of Eurasian nations as a counterbalance to Western influence, particularly emphasizing the role of Russia.
Post-Cold War Era: The period after the end of the Cold War, characterized by the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of a unipolar world dominated by the United States.
Interpretive Theory: A framework in international relations that focuses on understanding and explaining political phenomena by interpreting the meanings and intentions behind actions and events.
Nation-State: A political entity characterized by a defined territory, permanent population, government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.
Globalization: The process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide, leading to increased interdependence and exchange of cultural, economic, and political aspects.
Unipolar Structure: A global system where one state (typically the United States post-Cold War) holds predominant power and influence over international affairs.
Diplomacy: The practice of conducting negotiations and managing relationships between nations, traditionally focused on safeguarding and enhancing a state's strategic interests.