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This is the complete lecture note for POL 205 Introduction to international relations. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Series 1: Foundations of International Society and Global Interactions 1.1 The Concept and Organisation of International Society • 1.1.1 Definition of International Society • 1.1.2 Historical Evolution of International Society • 1.1.3 Key Actors in International Society 1.2 Forms of Interactions in the International System • 1.2.1 State-to-State Relations • 1.2.2 Non-State Actors and Global Interactions • 1.2.3 Patterns of Cooperation and Conflict 1.3 Principles Guiding International Relations • 1.3.1 Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity • 1.3.2 Diplomacy and International Law • 1.3.3 Global Norms and Institutions 1.4 Contemporary Challenges in International Society • 1.4.1 Globalisation and Interdependence • 1.4.2 Security and Peacekeeping Issues • 1.4.3 Emerging Issues in International Politics Introduction International relations are built upon the ways in which societies interact across borders, shaping cooperation, competition, and the pursuit of peace. Imagine a world where states exist in isolation, with no communication or shared rules. Such a scenario would be chaotic and unsustainable. The organisation of international society provides the framework through which states and other actors engage, negotiate, and resolve conflicts. This Series introduces you to the foundations of these interactions, helping you to see how they underpin the broader study of international relations. The aim of this Series is to familiarise you with the basic structures, principles, and challenges of international society, and to equip you with the analytical skills needed to interpret the dynamics of global interactions. We shall commence this Series by examining the concept and organisation of international society, including its definition, historical evolution, and the actors involved. Next, we will explore the forms of interactions in the international system, focusing on relations between
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS states, the role of non-state actors, and the patterns of cooperation and conflict. Following that, we will consider the principles guiding international relations, such as sovereignty, diplomacy, and international law. Finally, we will wrap up by discussing contemporary challenges in international society, including globalisation, security concerns, and emerging issues in global politics. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 2.1 define the concept of international society and explain its historical evolution, • SLO 2.2 identify and describe the key actors that operate within international society, • SLO 2.3 explain the major forms of interactions in the international system, including state-to-state relations and the role of non-state actors, • SLO 2.4 analyse the principles guiding international relations, such as sovereignty, diplomacy, and international law, and • SLO 2.5 evaluate contemporary challenges facing international society, including globalisation, security, and emerging political issues. 1.1 The Concept and Organisation of International Society 1.1.1 Definition of international society The term international society refers to a community of states and other actors that interact under shared rules, norms, and institutions. It is more than just a collection of states; it implies a structured system where members recognise each other’s sovereignty and agree to cooperate or compete within established frameworks. This concept helps us to understand why global politics is not entirely chaotic but guided by certain expectations and practices. Fill in the blank: International society is a community of ______ and other actors that interact under shared rules.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS A simple diagram showing states and non-state actors connected within a global framework. Caption: Figure 1.1 Concept of international society 1.1.2 Historical evolution of international society The historical evolution of international society can be traced back to early systems of diplomacy and treaties among kingdoms and empires. The Peace of Westphalia (1648) is often cited as a turning point, establishing the principle of sovereignty, which means that each state has authority over its territory without external interference. Over time, international society expanded to include colonial empires, newly independent states, and eventually global institutions such as the United Nations.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The Peace of ______ in 1648 is often cited as the foundation of modern sovereignty. An artistic representation of the signing of the Peace of Westphalia. Caption: Plate 1.1 Signing of the Peace of Westphalia 1.1.3 Key actors in international society The main actors in international society include states, which remain the primary units of analysis, and non-state actors such as international organisations, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organisations. States exercise sovereignty and pursue national interests, while non-state actors influence global politics through advocacy, economic power, or humanitarian work. Together, they shape the dynamics of cooperation and conflict.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The primary actors in international society are ______, but non-state actors also play important roles. Caption: Table 1.1 Key actors in international society Short description: A table listing states, international organisations, multinational corporations, and NGOs with brief roles. Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which term refers to a community of states and other actors interacting under shared rules? 2. What treaty is often cited as the foundation of modern sovereignty? 3. Name two non-state actors in international society.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 4. What principle established by the Peace of Westphalia emphasises authority over territory? 5. Why is international society considered structured rather than chaotic? 1.2 Forms of Interactions in the International System 1.2.1 State-to-state relations State-to-state relations refer to the formal and informal interactions between sovereign states. These interactions may involve diplomacy, trade agreements, military cooperation, or conflict. States pursue their national interest, which is the set of goals and priorities guiding their external behaviour, such as security, economic prosperity, or prestige. Fill in the blank: The set of goals and priorities guiding a state’s external behaviour is called ______.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing arrows between states representing diplomacy, trade, and conflict. Caption: Figure 1.2 State-to-state relations in the international system 1.2.2 Non-state actors and global interactions Non-state actors are entities that participate in international relations but are not sovereign states. Examples include international organisations such as the United Nations, multinational corporations like Shell or Apple, and non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International. These actors influence global politics by shaping policies, providing humanitarian aid, or driving economic activities. Fill in the blank: Organisations such as the United Nations and Amnesty International are examples of ______ actors.
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