International politics is the study of relationships among states, but also their interactions with other elements of the world system (such as the United Nations and multinational organizations) and with non-state actors (such as corporations and political activists). The field has developed from a number of earlier subfields of political science. International relations, comparative politics, and foreign policy are all related, but each focuses on different aspects of the relationship between states.
Most theories of international politics start with the idea that states act in their own self-interest and are driven by a need to protect themselves from external threats. State interests often include the preservation of its national identity, military security, economic prosperity, and influence over other states. Some states have diametrically opposing national interests, and these tensions can lead to war.
A number of theories, notably realism and liberalism, try to balance these fundamental factors. Realism argues that the world is a harsh and dangerous place, and the best way to protect oneself is through military power. A well-known realism thinker is Niccolo Machiavelli, who advised rulers to use deceit and violence as tools of power. Liberalism tries to promote the peaceful coexistence of states by focusing on fostering positive sum games and mutually beneficial interactions.
A more recent theory is institutionalism, which attempts to combine realism and liberalism. It assumes that states are rational and self-interested, but that the anarchic nature of the international environment can be mitigated by the norms and procedures established through institutions. This approach also uses game theory to show that cooperation is a rational, self-interested choice. Many advocates of this approach point to the growing role of international institutions in the global economy and the rise of multilateralism, which reinforce the idea that cooperation is an increasingly important operating principle in the international system.
About the Author
