International Relations
International relation focuses on “the relationships and associations established by different nations across the globe” (Weber 13). The field also studies the roles of different non-governmental agencies, sovereign nations, and international organizations. Such relationships can change depending on several factors, such as politics, economics, wars, and technologies. This situation explains why certain events have shaped my view of international relations.
Events Shaping my View of International Relations
The first event is World War II. I have always examined the historical, political, and economic aspects of this war. The Second World War explains why our world has failed to deal with animosity and enmity (Weber 39). The war produced new global powers. The winners of the war decided to form the United Nations Organization (NGO) to prevent similar disasters in the future. This war has shaped my view of international relations. I now understand why such relations are necessary for a peaceful world.
The second event that has shaped my view of international relations is the September 11 attacks. The United States gained new lessons from the terrorist attack. The event would change the relationship between the United States of America and the Middle East. The country “formulated new policies and agencies to safeguard every American citizen from terrorism” (Lizardo, 103). This event changed the way many nations in the west related to their counterparts in the east. Many nations in the west have established new strategies to deal with terrorism.
Our world is experiencing new climatic patterns. Our world is facing a major threat because of these climate changes. The “problem of global warming is an ongoing event in the world today” (Habib 8). Climate change has forced our world to come up with better environmental policies. The world has established new international policies such as the Kyoto Protocol. Climate change has become a major global issue. The “event has brought many developed and developing nations together to deal with it” (Habib 18). I now understand why IR is an important field of study.
Some cultural groups and countries will view the above events differently. Many underdeveloped countries have accused the west of formulating rigid Environmental Protection Policies (EPPs). Most of these “countries believe that the developed world has contributed a lot to this problem of climate change. This situation explains why “our world is yet to deal with global warming” (Holsti, 3). Many countries in the east have always supported terrorism. Most of these cultural and religious groups continue to support different terrorist groups. Countries have engaged in battles to resolve every international dispute. Some “other countries embrace the use of diplomacy to deal with such conflicts” (Weber 73).
Many cultures and countries might view the above events differently. According to Weber (45), “every cultural group or country has its motivations.” The Nazis wanted to take control of Europe during the Second World War. Many countries, such as “the United States and England, wanted to stop the Japanese and Germans from causing more trouble” (Holsti 18). Many Islamic groups engage in terrorist attacks to revenge against the west for its malpractices. Every country in the west is against terrorism because it kills people and affects our economy. This discussion explains why every society or country will view most of the above events differently. In conclusion, IR is a critical field towards dealing with most of the problems affecting our world.
Works Cited
Habib, Benjamin. “Climate Change and International Relations Theory: Northeast Asia as a Case Study.” Third Global International Studies 1.1 (2011): 1-31. Print.
Holsti, Ole 2013. Theories of International Relations. Web.
Lizardo, Omar. “Defining and Theorizing Terrorism: A Global Actor-Centered Approach”. Journal of World-Systems Research14.2 (2008): 91-118. Print.
Weber, Cynthia. International Relations Theory: A Critical Introduction. New York: Routledge, 2005. Print.