Approaches to the study of IR

BBA

Politics at Work
Study of IR is research oriented with PURPOSE to POSE & SOLVE novel political problems, anomalies, svnarios Ask & Answer new political QUESTIONS The nature of political question justifies the approach which would be adopted for political analysis

APPROACHES
The criterion or perspective adopted by Political Scientist- A way or A Route Broadly there are two Approaches 1. Traditional 2. Behavioural

Traditional
Understanding norms and values Judgment based on historical knowledge Consider human nature

Behavioral
Explains hypothesis Collection of data Based on scientific knowledge

Traditional Approach
Traditional approaches are derived from sociology, anthropology, economics, law, geography, psychology
Historical Approach Aristotle Early Age Ibne Khaldun- Middle Age Machiavelli- Modern Age The origin and development of the state is described political system or cabinet are product of history Shortcoming with this approach o Unavailability of records o Historical events cannot be replicated

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Geographical Approach
Impact of geography-Social Cultural Economic & Political Climate, Soil & Natural Resources influence all aspects of social and political life

HEARTLAND THEORY- Sir Alfred Mackinder

Who rules the East Europe Commands the Heartland. Who rules the heartland commands the world islands. Who rules the world islands commands the world. This influence of geography over politics is known as geopolitics.

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Philosophical Approach Concentration on Ideas, Values to achieve the concept of an ideal state and perfect society Political thought of early times-middles ages and modern times. Legal Approach Study of Legal and constitutional institutions of state-we study LAW, Law making process, lam making history and how it runs a state. We study International Law-how-why-when Legal approach neglects culture, religion, tradition.

Economic Approach
Most important variable in terms of political discourses Wealth and Poverty decides the course of action of a State Karl Marx identified the phenomena of clash between HAVEs & HAVE NOTs

Psychological Approach
Use of quantitative methods in the study of politics and IR Analytical study of psychology helps us to predict the course of action of a political institution led by a political being Leaders psychology matters in this regard

Sociological & Institutional Approach

Study of society and individual both separately and in combination. Study of social, political institutions refers to Institutional Approach

Scientific Appraoch
Based scientific objectivity- free from personal Bias- verify conclusion Behaviouralism-Positivism: Application of Scientific tools and techniques to the study of International politics and political Science It is the quantitative measure of behaviour or activities of Individuals in political life

Integrative Approach
The gaps left by behavioral approach are filled by integrative approach. It is the combination of traditional and Scientific approach to remove the anomalies left by traditional approach or vice versa. Its holistic interpretation of Data and verifiable propositions

Power Approach
The study of politics revolved around the concept of sovereignty- in modern times the central concept is Power. power is not absolute it observe certain defined patterns or laws or principles A constitution is framed for the governance of power by a government. Power is ambiguous concept can be polite can be violent.