International Relations and Foreign Policy

Study of interactions between states, international organizations, and non-state actors
Examines how nations interact, cooperate, and conflict with each other
Key concepts:
- Realism: states prioritize self-interest and security
- Liberalism: states cooperate and prioritize international law and institutions
- Constructivism: international relations are shaped by shared ideas and norms

A state's strategy for interacting with other nations and international actors
Goals:
- National security
- Economic interests
- Ideological or values-based objectives
Instruments:
- Diplomacy
- Economic aid or sanctions
- Military force or intervention
Types:
- Bilateral (between two states)
- Multilateral (between multiple states)

Processes and strategies for managing and resolving conflicts between nations or groups
Approaches:
- Negotiation and mediation
- Arbitration and adjudication
- Peacekeeping and peacebuilding
Key concepts:
- Conflict escalation and de-escalation
- Conflict resolution styles (e.g., competitive, cooperative, compromising)
- Post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation

System of rules, institutions, and practices that regulate international relations
Key institutions:
- United Nations
- International Monetary Fund
- World Trade Organization
Challenges:
- Globalization and its discontents
- Rise of non-state actors (e.g., NGOs, corporations)
- Inequality and uneven distribution of power

Protection of a state's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and vital interests
Threats:
- Military aggression
- Terrorism
- Cyber warfare
- Economic coercion
Strategies:
- Deterrence
- Defense
- Diplomacy and cooperation
- Intelligence gathering and surveillance

Ancient civilizations: Greece, Rome, China
Medieval and early modern periods: rise of modern diplomacy
Westphalian system (1648): sovereignty, non-interference, and diplomatic recognition
20th century: rise of international organizations and multilateral diplomacy
Contemporary challenges: globalization, non-state actors, and digital diplomacy

Regional organizations:
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
- West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ)
Regional challenges:
- Conflict and instability (e.g., Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone)
- Economic development and integration
- Health crises (e.g., Ebola)
Key diplomatic actors:
- Nigeria: regional hegemon and leader
- France: former colonial power with ongoing influence
- United States: growing economic and security interests

Focuses on interactions among states, international organizations, and non-state actors.
Analyzes cooperation, conflict, and dynamics between nations.
Key theories:
- Realism: States prioritize self-interest and national security.
- Liberalism: Emphasizes cooperation through international law and institutions.
- Constructivism: Notes that shared ideas and norms influence international relations.

Defines a state's strategy in engaging with other nations and international entities.
Primary goals include:
- Ensuring national security.
- Advancing economic interests.
- Promoting ideological or value-based objectives.
Instruments used:
- Diplomacy to manage relations.
- Economic aid or sanctions for leverage.
- Military force or intervention when necessary.
Types of foreign policy interactions:
- Bilateral relations: between two states.
- Multilateral relations: involving multiple states.

Involves processes for managing and settling disputes between nations or groups.
Various approaches include:
- Negotiation and mediation to find mutual agreements.
- Arbitration and adjudication for formal resolutions.
- Peacekeeping and peacebuilding to maintain stability post-conflict.
Important concepts:
- Understanding conflict escalation and de-escalation.
- Different styles of conflict resolution: competitive, cooperative, compromising.
- Addressing post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.

Constitutes systems of rules, institutions, and practices regulating international relations.
Key institutions include:
- United Nations (UN): Facilitates international cooperation and peacekeeping.
- International Monetary Fund (IMF): Oversees global monetary cooperation and financial stability.
- World Trade Organization (WTO): Regulates international trade and promotes trade liberalization.
Challenges faced include:
- Discontents arising from globalization.
- The increasing role of non-state actors, such as NGOs and corporations.
- Power imbalances and inequality among states.

Involves safeguarding a state's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and essential interests.
Main threats to national security:
- Military aggression from rival states.
- Terrorism targeting citizens and infrastructure.
- Cyber warfare disrupting information systems.
- Economic coercion leveraging trade or financial systems.
Strategies to ensure national security include:
- Deterrence to prevent aggression.
- Defense capabilities to protect borders.
- Diplomatic efforts and international cooperation.
- Intelligence gathering and surveillance to anticipate threats.

Early diplomacy practiced in ancient Greece, Rome, and China.
The medieval to early modern period marked the rise of modern diplomatic practices.
The Westphalian system (1648) established principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and formal diplomatic recognition.
The 20th century saw growth in international organizations and multilateral diplomatic efforts.
Contemporary diplomacy faces challenges from globalization, the influence of non-state actors, and the rise of digital communication.

Key regional organizations:
- ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States): Aims for economic integration and peace.
- WAMZ (West African Monetary Zone): Focuses on monetary cooperation.
Regional challenges include:
- Ongoing conflicts and instability in countries like Mali, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
- Economic development and regional integration efforts.
- Health crises, notably the Ebola outbreak.
Major diplomatic players:
- Nigeria: Acts as a regional leader and hegemon.
- France: Retains significant influence due to historical colonial ties.
- United States: Increasingly involved due to economic and security interests in the region.