Global affairs and international relations

Definition of Concepts

International Relations: This term denotes the study of relationships between countries, the roles of state and non-state organisations, interstate relationships, and the balance (or lack of balance) of global power and resources.
Global Affairs: This can be defined as international issues and events that influence or impact multiple countries and regions. It includes topics such as globalisation, international security, climate change, global economics, and human rights.
Diplomacy: The practice of conducting negotiations, forming agreements or alliances, and maintaining relations between states.

International Politics: It involves the study of foreign polices, international conflicts, war, security, global governance and political economy.
Global Governance: Refers to how global affairs are managed across borders through international cooperation and multilateral organisations.
International Law: Constitutes rules and guidelines for the conduct of nations, affecting diplomacy, peace treaties, trade agreements.

Realism: Predicated on the view that human nature is not inherently benevolent but rather self-interested, and this extends to the behaviour of states.
Liberalism: Suggests that state preferences, rather than state capabilities, are the primary determinant of state behaviour.
Constructivism: Emphasises the roles of social norms, historical identity and cultural factors in shaping international relations.
Marxism: Believes global affairs and international relations are deeply influenced by global capitalism and class system.

International Security: This includes military and non-military threats to a state’s political sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Nuclear Proliferation: Uncontrolled spread of nuclear weapons and technology poses significant international security risks.
Human Rights: The universal rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion or any other status.
Climate Change: As a global issue, managing climate change needs international consensus and cooperation.
Globalisation: The process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide.

United Nations (UN): An international organisation committed to maintaining peace, promoting social progress, and better living standards.
World Bank: An international financial institution that provides loans to countries for formidable projects.
International Monetary Fund (IMF): Promotes global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, and reduce poverty.

Diplomacy: Used to manage relations, negotiate treaties and resolve disputes among nation-states.
Sanctions: Often used as a method of diplomacy, sanctions can be used as a response to a state’s violation of international law or human rights.
Intervention: Military or non-military action undertaken by a state against another in order to achieve political or social objectives.

Sovereignty vs Humanitarian Intervention: Balancing the respect for a country’s sovereignty with the moral responsibility to prevent human suffering.
Arms race and Disarmament: Discussion on the competition between nations for superiority in nuclear warfare and the importance of disarmament.
Politics of Climate Change: Understanding the political challenges to manage climate change successfully at international front.
Globalisation pros and cons: Debating the merits and drawbacks of increased global interconnectivity and interdependence.