A system is usually comprised of multiple building blocks, the International
Relations system is not exclusion. It is a global system, bonding together
actors, setting and its rules of functioning. A huge number of actors operate
inside its frames and they have the ability to interrelate, thus increasing its
complexity. Also, it is safe to say there is a two way relation between system
and actors. The system has highly correlative feature and the developments in
it can affect all and vice versa, actions by players can change the system.
The Peace of Westphalia from 1648 has set the foundations of the current
system. What was agreed back then was common behavior principles that put all
nation states in equal and independent position. The sovereignty became a
legitimate right of all states and each of them agreed to mutually respect it,
as well as the national borders. The appearance of independent actors in a
competitive environment has led to the development of a hierarchy between them.
Some nations gained supremacy over the others and shaped the system structure,
emerging as poles.
In different historic periods the relations between a group of states
influenced the developments in the International Relations. The actions of the
so called Great Powers have always drawn the attention, because of their
significance for the rest in the system. A very usual feature for these
relations is the high tension and dynamics, which can alter the structure of
the system in violent way. They are based on the balance of power, which is
crucial for the structure of the international order.
The structure is multilayered and intertwines a number of aspects to
form a dynamic environment with its own specifications. This structure has
always been in a constant in flux, but the rate it happens nowadays is unseen
previously. Economy, military and cultural aspects are just a part from the
traditional building blocks of the international relations structure, but
recently another one has been added, the cyberspace. Its importance is increasing and completely changes the established
paradigm.
Through the cyberspace non-state actors can easily compete with
countries, jeopardize their interests or even take advantage over them. This
part of the international relations structure does not comply to the
International Law in general, nor has it a consistent regulation.
Although the international structure was devised to suit nation-states
in 1648, gradually it evolved in more complex system, expanding into every
aspect of the globalized world. To define the structure, the balance of power
between nation states is still the primary measurement tool. With other players
gaining power and multiple processes merging into the globalized world, the
traditional perceptions for structure have been challenged in the recent
decades with unprecedented rates. This makes the structure of the system a
constant variable.
Key points you should remember:
1.
The
international relations system is multidimensional
2.
Nation
states have leading role in it
3.
It
has hierarchy based on the balance of power
4.
The
Peace of Westphalia from 1648 established the features of the current system
5.
The
system is extremely dynamic with plenty of parallel developments
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