Study of History and Theory of International Relations

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To study international relations means to study the history of international relations, theory, practical application of those theories and the outcome after the practical application of the theory was applied. Smith spoke about international relations and said that international relations importance of not just theory, but history to understanding The politics of today (Smith 2006). So when you study international relations you should understand the theory but you need to know the history because a states history contributed the how and why the countries politics are the way they are today. It is impossible to understand a complex problem such as the war between North Korea and South Korea by studying the theories of internal relations. There is a complicated history between the two countries which have been influenced by other states which turned the countries into what they are today. So to study international relations means to study theories and history to be able to practically use your knowledge to understand of influence a situation. Two main theories in international relations are the theory of Realism and the theory of Liberalism. Both theories have a common goal which is to be able to deal with international situations involving state and non-state actors however both deal with the situation in vastly different ways. The theory of Realism believes that the state is the most important actor, that states and their actions in the international system are motivated by self-survival and self-interest. The theory of Realism states that international organizations such as corporations or non-government organizations and other trans-state actors have little real influence. The theory of realism believes that ... ... middle of paper ... ... weapons. It has all the makings of a target the United States would invade to prevent weapons of mass destruction from entering the hands of terrorists like the United States has done in the past however we look to Pakistan as an ally rather than an enemy. We support Pakistan and give Pakistan billions of dollars in aid however to country's like Iraq, Syria, North Korea and Iran we isolate them and make them the enemy arguably making them more dangerous than they were. In the case of Pakistan the United States is able to overlook all the problems with Pakistan and present a different interpretations of the facts. Perhaps this is because Pakistan assisted the United States in the past and the United States want to maintain positive or as positive as possible so that we can maintain some allies in the middle east for future attacks on terrorist organizations.

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