Final geography review, third secondary | Geography review, third secondary | The Accumulators' Rescue Plan (First Lecture)

International Relations is an ancient phenomenon, tracing back to figures like Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose. This historical depth is comparable to other long-standing phenomena such as military alliances, the concept of a nation, migration, and authority, all of which are old, deep-rooted phenomena. Understanding this historical context is crucial for grasping the evolution and complexities of international interactions.

Several factors influence international relations, categorised into morphological and demographic elements. Morphological factors include a country's location and area. A central or strategic location, like Egypt's, enhances relations, while a peripheral location, such as New Zealand's, can reduce them. Larger areas, exemplified by Russia, contribute positively to relations, whereas smaller areas tend to reduce them. Demographic factors involve population size, economic strength, and military power. A large population, like China's, can confer political leverage, such as a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Economic power, as demonstrated by current China, and military strength, evident in Russia's interventions, also significantly shape international relations. These factors resonate with Aristotle's ideas on the ideal state and the components necessary for political blocs.

International relations have evolved through various historical periods. In ancient and medieval times, relationships were predominantly regional and often characterised by conflict, leading to peace treaties like the one between Ramses II and the Hittites. This particular treaty is significant as the first international agreement between Asian and African powers, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The modern era, initiated by the Industrial Revolution, marked a significant shift, expanding relations from regional to global due to advancements in transportation. This era saw relations becoming more widespread and inclusive. In contemporary times, relations have become increasingly complex and diverse, evidenced by the proliferation of embassies and diplomatic missions.

War, defined as an armed conflict between states for national interests, can manifest in local, regional, or global forms. However, not all conflicts involve weapons, as seen in the Cold War, nor do they always involve multiple states, as civil wars demonstrate. Peaceful resolution mechanisms include negotiation, mediation, good offices (facilitating communication), conciliation (proposing solutions by a third party), and arbitration (a binding legal process). These methods aim to prevent conflicts from escalating into full-blown warfare.

The League of Nations was established after World War I to promote peace, but ultimately failed due to the non-participation of major powers like the US and the USSR, the withdrawal of Germany and Japan, and its lack of military force, leading to World War II. The United Nations, formed after World War II, aimed to rectify these shortcomings. Both organisations shared the goal of maintaining peace and security and emerged from the aftermath of global conflicts. The UN, based in New York, has shown positive political roles in supporting liberation movements and peacekeeping operations, but has faced criticism for its perceived bias in certain issues and the dominance of major powers through the veto system.

The New World Order emerged around 1990 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, leading to a unipolar world dominated by the United States. This system is characterised by a set of global interactions shaped by the philosophy of globalisation. President Wilson first conceptualised the idea of a new world order, while Mikhail Gorbachev formally introduced the term after the Cold War, advocating for disarmament and cooperation. George Bush Sr. popularised the concept during the Gulf War, framing it as a necessary framework for international stability.

The stated goals of the New World Order include maintaining international stability, respecting national sovereignty, promoting democracy and human rights, and upholding international law. However, its actual characteristics often contradict these goals. For instance, it has led to the erosion of national sovereignty through the influence of multinational corporations and international financial institutions. Other characteristics include the liberalisation of trade, the globalisation of issues like climate change, advancements in communication technology, and increased global interdependence. These characteristics, particularly the economic and technological ones, notably influence the global political map.

The New World Order has brought about significant transformations. Europe sought to strengthen its economic unity through treaties like Maastricht in 1991, forming the European Union. Asian economies, particularly the 'Asian Tigers', emerged as strong industrial powers, and many conflicts in Asia, such as the Lebanese Civil War and the Iran-Iraq War, concluded. The UN's role expanded following the end of ideological conflicts. However, the New World Order also has negative impacts, including increased US intervention in state affairs, diminished role for non-aligned movements, the proliferation of internal conflicts, and the cultural influence of Western values. Furthermore, it has led to economic disparities, with developed Western nations monopolising wealth, arms, and technology while diverting aid from developing countries to Eastern Europe. The new global competition centers on technology and control over raw materials, especially from Africa.