International Relations vs International Politics
Understanding the distinction between international relations and international politics requires an examination of what each term represents. Although the terms can be confusing due to the shared word “international,” there is a subtle difference between the two.
What is International Relations?
International Relations primarily refers to the connections among states. These relationships can take various forms, such as political relations, economic relations, cultural relations, and military-technical cooperation. As a result, International Relations encompasses every aspect of relations between states, with states being considered the most important actors in the international arena. The study of International Relations also includes the examination of foreign policies of nations and their connections with international organizations like the United Nations. It is linked with other fields, such as history, international law, international economics and finance, political science, and geography.
Key Takeaways
- International Relations focuses on the relationships among states, encompassing various aspects of relations between states.
- International Politics is a narrower subject area and deals primarily with the political relations of states, focusing on how states collectively respond to emerging global issues.
- International Relations is linked to other fields such as history, international law, international economics and finance, political science, and geography, while International Politics is primarily concerned with the practical realities of a state’s interaction with other states.
What is International Politics?
International Politics is a component of the broad spectrum of International Relations and is a narrower subject area. It is often used synonymously with the terms “world politics” or “global politics.” International Politics deals with the practical realities of a state’s interaction with another state or several other states. It involves applying the theories of International Relations to contemporary issues in the international system. The concept of power, both hard power (military and economic) and soft power (cultural), is key to understanding International Politics. It primarily deals with the political relations of states, including political conflicts, conflict resolution, and promoting political cooperation among states to achieve common goals. Today, International Politics also includes the role of non-state actors such as terrorist organizations and multinational corporations and their impact on the political relations of states.
What is the difference between International Relations and International Politics?
- International Relations encompasses a broad spectrum of the international arena, while International Politics is a narrower component of International Relations.
- International Relations concerns the relations or foreign affairs of nations, while International Politics deals only with the political relations of states and focuses on how states collectively respond to emerging global issues.
