Importance of IR theories and Vision 2050

Pillar 4 of Vision 2050 makes two very important statements about international relations. We can use to help us argue why it is vital for us to learn about the various international relations theories.

Firstly, there is a need to ensure that PNG’s foreign policy reflects the national interest. Secondly, there is a need to increase bilateral relations with the rest of the world and relevant international organizations.

Foreign policy is defined by Goldstein (2005) as strategies used by governments to guide their actions in the international arena. He stated that foreign policies spell out the objectives states leaders have decided to pursue in a given relationship or situation as well as the general means by which they intend to pursue those objectives. Day-to- day decisions made by various arms of government are guided by the goal of implementing foreign policy.

The analogy of human beings and our personal interest helps us to understand that states behave like humans. All states have an interest which is called a national interest or the interest of all its citizens. Considered as a driving force, the idea of national interest pushes the government to cooperate with other states and non-state actors in order to survive.

One can argue that PNG can meet its national interest of social, economic and cultural development by effectively funding and supporting its government departments and agencies. However, the Department of Health and the National Aids Council in their fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic do not have the financial capacity. The involvement of the Clinton Foundation and other non-governmental organizations will complement the work of our government agencies.

As a significant bilateral partner, Australia helps PNG to develop socially and economically through avenues like monetary and educational aid. They give monetary aid every year which is injected into the PNG government’s budget and select PNG nationals to attend Australian universities every year to broaden their educational experience.

The interaction between a particular state with other states and non-state actors is largely influenced by national interest and happens within the boundary of the international system.

The international system is an organized political and economic structure created by the West, where you have states interacting with other states, non-state actors, inter-governmental organizations and international financial institutions.

This system evolved over time after the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. We started off with states as the major players in the international system and later saw the birth of non-state actors who with their financial and military capabilities became very influential just like states.

As students of international relations it is vital that we develop a sound understanding of the various theories. The various theories based on either the behaviouralist, positivist, normative or rationalist approach provides the framework for analyzing and understanding the behaviour of states and non-state actors in the international system.

For example, to understand the involvement of the Clinton Foundation we can use the theory of neoliberal institutionalism. International institutions whether NGOs, intergovernmental organizations like the UN and multinational corporations play an important role in international governance.

As expressed by Navari (2008), Robert Keohane and Robert Axelrod point to the ability of institutions such as the UN to redefine state roles and act as arbitrators in state disputes. Although institutions cannot transform anarchy, they can change the character of the international environment by influencing state preferences and state behaviour.

Neoliberal institutionalism is also known as regulatory or institutional liberalism and operates at the level of the international political structure according Griffiths, O’Callaghan and Roach (2008, p. 190). The scholars say at this level collective interest is of uttermost importance in comparison to realists who consider national interest. Through collective interest a system of governance can be put in place with international laws to govern the behaviour of states and international institutions to provide international public goods and moderate the security dilemma among states.

As a Papua New Guinean, the knowledge of theories will help you in formulating better foreign policies. In other words, a strong theoretical grounding will provide the basis for critical analysis of international relations leading to the fulfillment of the Vision 2050.

Therefore as you go through the program, we will continue to use the various theories and concepts to help us develop a basic understanding of international relations. At this level of education, it is important for you to read as much as you can in order to develop your understanding of the various theories. What I share with you is my understanding of the various literature I have consulted.   

References

Goldstein, J. (2005). International relations (6^th ed.). Beijing: Peking University Press.

Griffiths, M., O’Callaghan, T., & Roach, S. C. (2008). International relations the key concepts (2^nd ed.). New York: Routledge.

Navari, C. (2008). Liberalisms. In Williams, P. D. (Ed.), Security studies: an introduction (pp. 32-47). London: Routledge Taylor and Francis Group.