NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
COURSE CODE: INR 111
COURSE TITLE:
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
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NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
COURSE CODE: INR 111
COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
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COURSE
GUIDE
INR 111
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Course Developer Dr. Osita Agbu Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Course Writers Dr. Osita Agbu Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.
and
Ngozi Henrietta Emi Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Course Editor Dr. E. U. Idachaba Department of Political Science University of Ibadan Ibadan.
Programme Leader Mr. Oyedolapo B. Durojaye School of Arts and Social Sciences National Open University of Nigeria Lagos.
NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
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Introduction
INR 111: Introduction to International Studies is a one Semester course. It will be available for you to take towards the core module of the French and International Studies Programme. This course is suitable as a foundation course on the subject matter of international studies as a discipline.
This course consists of 20 Units. It examines in detail the nature of the discipline of International Studies. The course covers such diverse topics as International History, Theories of international Studies, the Power Theory, Diplomacy, the meaning of Power and the Balance of Power. It further examines the key concept of Foreign Policy, Foreign Policy and National Interest, Methods and techniques of Formulating and Executing Foreign Policy and the Principles of Bargaining and Negotiation. The subjects of National Security and International Technical Assistance were also addressed in this course in addition to others.
There are compulsory prerequisites for this course. The course guide tells you briefly what the course is all about, what you are expected to know in each unit, what course materials you need to use and how you can work your way through these materials. It also emphasizes the necessity for tutor–marked assignments. There are also periodic tutorial classes that are linked to this course.
What you will learn in this course
The overall objective of INR 111 Introduction to International Studies is to expose the students to the whole gamut of issues surrounding the subject matter of International Studies. It seeks to acquaint the student with the basics in the theory and practice of International Relations and Diplomacy. Knowledge of this will adequately prepare the student for a possible career in the Foreign Ministry, in the international civil society or as international civil servants.
Your understanding of this course will serve to expose you to a very important part of international studies that have to do with the understanding and actual practice of International Relations.
Course Aims
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- Discuss the refugee problem in relation to human security;
- Describe the discourse surrounding nuclear, chemical and biological threats;
- Describe foreign policy in the context of multilateralism;
- Discuss disarmament in relation to peacekeeping missions.
Working through this Course
To complete this course you are required to read the study units. Most of the units contain self-assessment exercises, and at some points in the course, you are required to submit assignments for assessment purposes. At the end of this course is a final examination. Stated below are the components of the course and what you are expected to do.
Course Materials
i. Course Guide ii. Study Units iii. Textbooks and other Reference Sources iv. Assignment File v. Presentation
Study Units
There are twenty study units in this course, as follows: Unit 1: The Discipline of International Studies Unit 2: International History Unit 3: Theories of International Studies Unit 4: What is Power? Unit 5: The Power Theory Unit 6: The Balance of Power Unit 7: Diplomacy Unit 8: Concept of Foreign Policy Unit 9: Foreign Policy and National Interest Unit 10: Methods and Techniques of Formulating Foreign Policy Unit 11: Foreign Policy Execution Unit 12: Principles of Bargaining and Negotiation Unit 13: Negotiating Skills Unit 14: The Search for National Security Unit 15: International Technical Assistance Unit 16: War and Strife in Africa: Issues in Peacekeeping Unit 17: The United Nations Organization and the Refugee Problem Unit 18: The Nuclear Threat and International Diplomacy Unit 19: Foreign Policies of Africa and the Developing Countries Unit 20: United Nations Peacekeeping Efforts
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Each unit contains a number of self-tests. In general, these self-tests question you on the materials you have just covered or require you to apply it in some way and, thereby, assist you gauge your progress as well as reinforce your understanding of the material. Together with tutor-marked assignments, these exercises will assist you in achieving the stated learning objectives of the individual units and of the Course.
Textbooks and Reference
Rosenau. I.N. (ed.) (1969), International Politics and Foreign Policy, New York, Free Press.
Hans Morgenthau, (1972) Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace, New York, Alfred Knopt, 5th^ Edition.
Joseph Frankel, (1979) International Relations in a Changing World, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Olusanya, G.O. and Akindele, RA. (1990) The Structure and Processes of Foreign Policy Making and Implementation in Nigeria 1960-1990, Lagos, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
Akindele, R.A. and Ate, B.A. (2000) Selected Readings in Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and International Relations, Lagos, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
Akindele, R. and Ate, B.E. (eds.), Beyond Conflict Resolution, Lagos, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
Assignment File
There are two aspects to the assessment of this course. In this file, you will find all the details of the work you must submit to your tutor for marking. The marks you obtain for these assignments will count towards the final mark you obtain for this course. Further information on assignment will be found in the Assignment File itself, and later in this Course Guide in the section on assessment.
There are many assignments for this course, with each unit having at least one assignment. These assignments are basically meant to assist you to understand the course.
Assessment
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ASSESSMENT MARKS
Assignments (^) Four submitted, best three accounts for 30% of course marks.
Final examination
70% of overall course marks
Total 100% of course marks
review your tutor-marked assignments and comment on them before the examination.
The final examination covers information from all aspects of the course.
Course Marking Scheme
Table 1: Course marking Scheme
How to get the most from this Course
In distance learning, the study units replace the university lecture. This is one of the great advantages of distance learning; you can read and work through specially designed study materials at your own pace, and at a time and place that suits you best. Think of it as reading the lecture instead of listening to the lecturer. In the same way a lecturer might give you some reading to do, the study units tell you when to read, and which are your text materials or reference books. You are provided exercises to do at appropriate points, just as a lecturer might give you an in-class exercise.
Each of the study units follows a common format. The first item is an introduction to the subject matter of the unit, and how a particular unit is integrated with the other units and the course as a whole. Next to this is a set of learning objectives. These objectives allow you to know what you should be able to do by the time you have completed the unit. These learning objectives are meant to guide your study. The moment a unit is finished, you must go back and check whether you have achieved the objectives. If this is made a habit, then you will significantly improve your chances of passing the course.
The main body of the unit guides you through the required reading from other sources. This will usually be either from the reference books or from a Reading section.
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The following is a practical strategy for working through the course. If you run into any trouble, telephone your tutor. Remember that your tutor’s job is to help you. When you need assistance, do not hesitate to call and ask your tutor to provide it.
- Read this Course Guide thoroughly, it is your first assignment.
- Organize a Study Schedule. Design a ‘Course Overview’ to guide you through the Course. Note the time you are expected to spend on each unit and how the assignments relate to the units. Important information, e.g. details of your tutorials, and the date of the first day of the Semester is available from the NOUN Website. You need to gather all the information into one place, such as your diary or a wall calendar. Whatever method you choose to use, you should decide on and write in your own dates and schedule of work for each unit.
- Once you have created your own study schedule, do everything to stay faithful to it. The major reason that students fail is that they get behind with their course work. If you get into difficulties with your schedule, please, let your tutor know before it is too late to get help.
- Turn to Unit 1, and read the introduction and the objectives for the unit.
- Assemble the study materials. You will need your set books and the unit you are studying at any point in time.
- Work through the unit. As you work through the unit, you will know what sources to consult for further information.
- Up-to-date course information will be continuously posted there.
- Well before the relevant due dates (about 4 weeks before due dates), access the Assignment File on the NOUN Website and download your next required assignment. Keep in mind that you will learn a lot by doing the assignment carefully. They have been designed to help you meet the objectives of the course and, therefore, will help you pass the examination. Submit all assignments not later than the due date.
- Review the objectives for each study unit to confirm that you have achieved them. If you feel unsure about any of the objectives, review the study materials or consult your tutor.
- When you are confident that you have achieved a unit’s objectives, you can start on the next unit. Proceed unit by unit through the course and try to pace your study so that you keep yourself on schedule.
- When you have submitted an assignment to your tutor for marking, do not wait for its return before starting on the next unit. Keep to your schedule. When the Assignment is returned, pay particular attention to your tutor’s comments, both on the tutor-
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MAIN
COURSE
Course Code INR 111
Course Title Introduction to International Studies
Course Developer Dr. Osita Agbu Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos
Course Writers Dr. Osita Agbu Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos
Ngozi Henrietta Emi Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos
Course Editor Dr. E. U. Idachaba Department of Political Science University of Ibadan Ibadan
Course Co-ordinator Mr. Oyedolapo B. Durojaye School of Arts and Social Sciences National Open University of Nigeria Lagos
NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
x
National Open University of Nigeria Headquarters 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island Lagos
Abuja Annex 245 Samuel Adesujo Ademulegun Street Central Business District Opposite Arewa Suites Abuja
e-mail: [email protected] URL: www.nou.edu.ng
National Open University of Nigeria 2006
First Printed 2006
ISBN: 978-058-841-
All Rights Reserved
Printed by …………….. For National Open University of Nigeria
1
MODULE 1
Unit 1 The Discipline of International Studies Unit 2 International History Unit 3 Theories of International Studies
UNIT 1 THE DISCIPLINE OF INTERNATIONAL
STUDIES
CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Objectives 3.0 Main Content 3.1 International Studies 3.2 Why International Relations 3.3 Theoretical background to the study of International Relations 3.4 The Aims of this Course 4.0 Conclusion 5.0 Summary 6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment 7.0 References/Further Readings
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In this unit, we shall examine the nature of the discipline of International Studies, noting the various nomenclatures or ways in which it has been understood. Sometimes, it has been referred to as International Relations and at other times as International Affairs or even International diplomacy.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
i) Explain what International Studies is; ii) Distinguish between International Relations and International Studies; iii) Define International Relations and its various components; iv) Explain the link between International Relations and History.
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International Red Cross, Tourism, International Trade, Transport, communications and development of international values and ethics.
In the final analysis, as a student of international relations, you should:
- bear in mind that the challenge before them is the study of the international systems, events and processes as well as the behaviour and capabilities of individual “actors” or group of actors;
- deal with the relations among the relatively weak and underdeveloped states; relations among the super-powers; among states; and non-state actors and among the allies and prospective allies;
- be concerned with relations between adversary states, between industrial and non-industrial, between oil producing and oil consuming, between East and West, between North and South, and among states within the same region as well as between those belong to different regions.
3.2 Why Study International Relations?
These are exciting and troubling times to study global politics. The world has entered a period of dramatic and confusing change. Many of the institutions that shaped and regulated our world's political life are undergoing rapid evolution or decay, and new institutions are emerging equally quickly. Events such as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon raise concerns about the violent nature of global politics -- even while the globalization of the world's economy accelerates and international cooperation to solve emerging global problems continues to increase. We are witnessing the sudden and still uncertain transformation of a system of international politics that originally emerged in Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in response to the collapse of medieval order. This "Westphalian system" of world politics, organized around sovereign states, evolved in the eighteenth century to cope with the rise of democracy and in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to accommodate industrialization and the rise of nationalism.
Today, however, another revolution appears to be in process. Armed with greater education, with new ways of defining their identity, and with new ways of viewing their world -- and empowered with new tools, like computers, the internet, and cellular telephones, for analyzing and sharing ideas and data -- individuals are finding new ways to organize and to achieve their goals. Many of these changes permit ordinary
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people to question authority and, for better or worse, to resist hierarchical institutions that attempt to control their behavior and impose order on political, economic, and social interaction. Paralleling this institutional shift is a transformation in the global agenda and in the meaning of "security." Issues like crime, disease, human rights, economic development, and environmental protection increasingly span national borders and compete for international attention along side more traditional issues like war and peace. And competing conceptions of identity -- along ethnic, gender, and cultural lines -- create new cleavages in global politics, vying with those based on citizenship or national identity. Thus in today's world, three sets of fundamental questions about global politics has simultaneously been reopened. First, questions of what "security" means and what institutions will be responsible for providing it -- questions that were resolved in the seventeenth century by the development of the "state" -- are again being debated. Second, the central political question of the eighteenth century -- how to create democratic political institutions that empowers individuals and yet permits the achievement of collective purposes -- is back. And third, the question of "who we are" -- that is, the issue of identity -- which bedeviled the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, has returned with a vengeance. Whether the twenty-first century is an age of unprecedented human achievement or a dark interregnum depends in no small measure on the answers we can construct to these questions.
Ultimately, of course, this is why it is so exciting to study international relations today. It is not simply that change is all around us. It is that we can influence, if not completely control, that change, and by doing so move the world down different, hopefully better, paths.
3.3 Theoretical Background to the study of International
Relations
International Relations, as a course, provide theoretical tools and frameworks of analysis that permit us to better understand the international system in which the countries operate and the global political setting in which we as individuals act. Such an understanding serves two immediate functions.
In the first place, it enables us to make more sense out of our Newspapers every morning, to carry out our democratic and civic obligations more wisely, and to deal more effectively with those aspects of our daily lives that are affected by world political, military, and economic events. By the end of the semester, you should be able to understand and participate intelligently in ongoing public debates about the major issues of global politics and foreign policy. You should be able to recognize and articulate why these issues arise, how they affect