Beginning of International Relations as a Discipline
International Relations (IR) is the study of how countries interact, cooperate, and sometimes conflict with each other. But like every field of knowledge, international relations also has a beginning — a moment in history when people first started to study world politics seriously. Understanding the beginning of international relations as a discipline helps us see how global studies developed into one of the most important areas of modern education and research.
Historical Background
The roots of international relations go back thousands of years. Ancient thinkers like Thucydides, who wrote The History of the Peloponnesian War, already discussed power, conflict, and diplomacy among Greek city-states. Philosophers such as Machiavelli and Hobbes also explored how states act to protect themselves in a world without a global ruler.
However, these early ideas were not yet part of a formal discipline. They were pieces of political philosophy. The study of international relations as an academic subject officially began after World War I (1914–1918).
The Birth of the Discipline
World War I caused massive destruction and loss of life. It shocked the world and made scholars ask a critical question: How can we prevent another global war?
In 1919, the first academic department dedicated to international relations was founded at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth in the United Kingdom. This marked the true beginning of international relations as a discipline. The first chair of the department was Sir Alfred Zimmern, who focused on promoting peace and international cooperation.
The goal of early international relations scholars was to understand the causes of war and develop methods for peace. They believed that by studying politics scientifically, the world could avoid repeating the mistakes that led to war.
Idealism: The First Phase of IR
The first school of thought in international relations was Idealism (also called Liberal Internationalism). Idealists believed that education, international law, and organizations like the League of Nations could bring lasting peace. They focused on moral values, democracy, and cooperation among nations.
However, this optimistic view faced challenges when World War II broke out in 1939. The war showed that peace requires more than good intentions — it also requires power, strategy, and strong institutions.
The Rise of Realism
After World War II, a new theory called Realism replaced Idealism as the dominant perspective. Realists argued that states act mainly in their own interest and that power and security are the real forces behind international politics. Thinkers like Hans Morgenthau and Kenneth Waltz helped shape this new way of studying IR.
From this point onward, international relations grew as a serious academic field, combining ideas from history, economics, sociology, and political science.
Modern Development
Today, international relations has expanded beyond war and peace. It now includes global issues like climate change, human rights, trade, technology, and diplomacy. Universities around the world teach IR to prepare students to understand and manage global challenges.
Conclusion
The beginning of international relations as a discipline came after the tragedy of World War I, driven by a desire for peace and understanding. From Idealism to Realism and beyond, the field has continued to grow and adapt to the changing world. By studying IR, we learn not only how nations act but also how humanity can build a more peaceful and connected global community.
Continue reading our main article: Exploring the World Through International Relations — to see how the discipline has evolved into modern theories like realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
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