International relations as a field of study and approaches are so wide. The complexity and scope of the field has created a problematic and an unacceptable definition, not only from the idealist but also from the realist. While some view it as relations between individuals across national boundaries, some see it as “relation between powerful groups” and contend that power is the main issue between states. To stem this raging controversy, the author proposes an operational definition that covers these varying but relevant views of the discipline.
From the foregoing, international relations connotes the sum total of relations that take place among actors across national boundaries or the international system, in other words, it is the body of knowledge which we have form those relations at any particular point is not restricted to individual states; for colonies, protectorates, liberation movements and inter- governmental organizations such as the UN, OAU, ECOWAS, E.E.C , the Arab league, NATO, political parties, churches, Ethnic unions etc possess extra-ordinary status.
International Relations are not a single subject or discipline but a bundle of subjects viewed from a common angle. In other words, it is an inter-disciplinary field consisting political science, economics, history, sociology, anthropology psychology, culture and law. These relations are carried out by what is called international Actors which include the political leaders of states, ambassadors, international institutions, trans-national corporations and other private individuals of international repute. Examples of such individuals are General Obasanjo, president Goodluck Jonathan, Group of eminent persons (GEP) on South Africa, chief MKO Abiola, chairman Group of 15 etc. sub-field in international relations.
The complex nature of international relations states that the field is not a one-way study and that there are many issues that should be fragmented for full observation, study and analysis. This is without prejudice to the fact that they inter-wove along the line. In other words, there are different areas of specialization not just for academics but also in government.
a. International Politics(Political Relations): Since politics is defined according to Aristotle as who gets what when and how, then international politics is viewed as those processes which relate to competition, negotiations and conflicts about which state gets what and on what terms in the international arena. The end battle of states is power acquisition and enhancement, ie “power politics” for a generation of political scientist, the international system is imagined as a cockpit struggle for power. States take over the international society to attain a rank, prestige and security. All these are geared towards the survival of a state. International politics arises when actors meet or exchange note or by some other processes, discuss, debate, argue, negotiate or seek accommodations and compromises with the aim at achieving binding agreement or settlements. For instance, Nigeria in 1970 defeated Niger Republic (OAU) candidate to secure the non permanent seat in the Security Council to her favour. In 2009, Nigeria won South Africa as UN non-permanent Security Council member again, Nigeria won the leadership of world trade and investment after 60 years of such a position in Africa under the ministry of Olusegun Aganga, minister of trade and investment of Nigeria in 2011. Nigeria also successfully campaigned and won the position of secretary general of the common-wealth against Malcolm fresher of Canada. International politics also involves political alliances such as the non- aligned states pressure in the United Nations and in the common wealth especially the placing of sanctions on South Africa which culminated in majority rule in South Africa in May, 1994. however, the cold war politics and détente between the united states and former soviet union (now common wealth of independent states) played a vital role in alliance built up in the world. Finally, while international relations comprise all international politics, international politics does not cover all international relations.
b. International Economic Relations: One of the basic relationship between states is the improve the economic well-being of the citizens and in the end, state power and international status. These actually depend on establishment of economic relations with other states. This can be done through international trade, commerce, transfer of capital and technology, commodity and payment agreements (currency exchange policy ) and the important relation between poor and rich states (less developed, developing and advanced economic or the “north south” division. This may also involve states going into economic alliances in what may be regarded as “developmental regionalism” such as the European union, OPEC, ECOWAS, to mention but a few. This further involves the contribution and possible gains from world financial institutions like the IMF and IBRD.
The entry of states into these ties is based on the philosophy of being part of global economic and financial policy that will be beneficial to the comity of states. Issues such as undue protectionism, law of the sea, granting of soft-loans and soft debt repayment format had been carefully presented but not very successfu
l. The reason is that these economic relations have not been really beneficial to the less developed states that informed to call a now international economic order (NIEO). It is partly for this that the Nigerian government opted for a new foreign economic policy thrust of “Economic Diplomacy” in 1988.
c. Cultural International Relations: This involves cultural, social and intellectual relations that link many states and actors. With regard to social, it means sporting activities such as the Olympic Games. The assumption is that competitions foster close relationships and peace between states. With regard to culture, it include festivals that promote peace and unity such as world black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) held in won by Agbaniderigo from Rivers State. It also comprises intellectual associations such as scientific conferences and educational exchange programme etc.
d. Private International Relations: These are the interactions between citizens and group 0f citizens of different nation states. This relation shows itself as a visitation, commerce etc. government do not get itself involved really but provide regulatory services like issuing of pass ports, visas, stamps or foreign exchange for their peaceful conduct.
Apart from the above four broad sub-fields of international relations, other sub-field such as strategic studies, international organization and international law have gained prominence. This is due to the dynamic nature of the discipline. Strategic studies is the meeting point of the social sciences and the humanities. it talks about the issues of military relations among actors such as NATO, the defunct war saw pact, the bagdad pact, conference on European security, the ECOMOG as in African sub-region etc. it also deals with regional studies of certain strategic zone of the world and their implications in general. It also deals with insurgency and counter insurgency movement of armed guerrilla forces intelligence and countries intelligence e.g. Niger establishing counter terrorism department in 2011 to counter a group of terrorists known as Boko Haram , Somalia reinsurgency in Ethiopia and us establishing counter tourism department to fight against terrorism in the world. Israel /Palestinian insurgencies over west Bank and Gaza, US war ships sailed and lined at the pacific ocean between India and China, ready to attack Afghanistan and Pakistan insurgencies on boundary (land ) dispute.
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