IGNOUMATIC

The balance of power is a concept in international relations that refers to the distribution of power among states in the international system. It is based on the assumption that states seek to maintain their security and prevent the dominance of any single power or coalition that could threaten their interests. The balance of power…

The changing world order reflects the shifting dynamics of power, influence, and governance in the global political landscape. Historically dominated by Western powers, particularly the United States and Europe, the world order has been undergoing significant transformations driven by geopolitical, economic, technological, and ideological shifts. One of the defining features of the changing world order…

Globalization, the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, economies, societies, and cultures, has profoundly reshaped the contemporary world. It encompasses the flow of goods, services, capital, information, technology, and people across borders, facilitated by advancements in transportation, communication, and digital technology. This essay explores the drivers, impacts, and challenges of globalization in the…

Post-colonial theory in international relations (IR) provides a critical lens through which to analyze the legacies of colonialism, imperialism, and Eurocentrism in the global political order. Drawing on insights from post-colonial studies, critical theory, and decolonial thought, this theoretical approach challenges dominant narratives, power structures, and epistemologies in IR, while centering the experiences, perspectives, and…

The center-periphery model of underdevelopment is a theoretical framework used to analyze the structural inequalities and power relations between core capitalist countries (the “center”) and peripheral countries (the “periphery”) in the global economy. Developed primarily within the dependency theory tradition, this model highlights the exploitative dynamics of economic and political relations between developed and developing…

The Marxist approach to international relations offers a critical perspective on the dynamics of global politics, rooted in Marxist theory and principles of historical materialism. This approach emphasizes the primacy of economic relations, class struggle, and imperialism in shaping international relations, while challenging mainstream theories that prioritize state-centric or liberal perspectives. A critical examination of…

International relations, as an academic discipline and field of study, encompasses a wide range of key concepts that help analyze and understand the interactions between states, non-state actors, and international institutions in the global arena. These concepts provide frameworks for analyzing the dynamics of international politics, diplomacy, conflict, cooperation, and globalization. Below are some of…

The rise of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in international relations has been a significant development in the latter half of the 20th century and continues to shape global governance in the 21st century. NGOs, also known as civil society organizations, are non-profit, voluntary groups that operate independently of government control and pursue a wide range of…

Corporatism is a socio-political and economic system characterized by the organization of society into hierarchical corporate groups representing various interest groups, such as labor unions, business associations, and professional organizations, under the auspices of the state. This system aims to coordinate social and economic activities, mediate conflicts between different societal interests, and achieve social cohesion…

The emergence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 marked a profound shift in global geopolitics and the trajectory of modern Chinese history. Led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under the leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong, the PRC embarked on a revolutionary transformation that reshaped China’s political, social, and economic landscape. This…

The global fight against terrorism is a multifaceted and ongoing effort involving cooperation among nations, international organizations, and civil society to prevent terrorist attacks, disrupt terrorist networks, and address the root causes of terrorism. Key components of this fight include: 1. International Cooperation: Countries around the world collaborate through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, such as…

Nuclear non-proliferation policy refers to international efforts aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and related technologies, promoting disarmament among nuclear-armed states, and ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy for civilian purposes. This policy framework encompasses a range of diplomatic, legal, and technical measures designed to reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation and…