The analysis of politics and foreign affairs
The analysis of politics and foreign affairs offers a starting point for understanding and contextualizing what is going on in various areas of the world. Concepts of politics and foreign affairs, in particular, predispose us to be able to explain and rationalize world politics and their consequences for international relations.The study of international politics and relations
The study of international politics and relations is needed for a scholar interested in international relations and diplomacy to deliver functions effectively. The emphasis of this paper will be on different facets of the module and their implications for personal perspectives on various problems in foreign relations. Further, it details how it will be essential in my after-school life, both personal and professional.The study of politics and international relations
The study of politics and international relations covered an array of concepts. Through studying politics, I learnt about the status of peace and conflicts in different parts of the globe. At any particular time, some countries will be experiencing either peace or conflict. As indicated by Boyd (2014, p.184), the study of politics focuses on looking at policies implemented by different states to mitigate apparent conflicts. Additionally, it explores reasons why some of the identified policies may not be effective in mitigating the issues. It also helps one understand causes of the problems, which is critical for the formulation of viable policies. Politics concerns itself with democratic and electoral structures in different parts of the globe. Young (1998, p.78) asserts that various electoral systems define structures of governments and political processes not only in the western world and developed nations but also in the developing countries as well.In international relations
In international relations, the most interesting aspects revolve around international laws, security as well as conflict resolution and mediation. The study of these concepts explains how countries relate to one another in terms of trade and diplomacy. For a future scholar in international matters, it is authentic that concepts covered in the module are critical for effective comprehension and the capacity to explain why some countries may fail the test of trust from some nations. Through the study of international relations, I recognize that robust state-to-state intercourse between different regions of the world influences trade directions as well as security matters (Pekkanen, Ravenhill and Foot 2014, p.4). Further, one can explain why some countries may not have good relationships based on the existing security and trade policies. Evidently, trade and security play a vital role in a country's development. The policies influence whether it can trade with other parts of the globe, as well as whether it will export or import more.My topic of interest is international conflict resolution
My topic of interest is international conflict resolution. Today, across the globe, there are some regions that are in conflicts that need to be addressed. For instance, Syria is under a crisis whose solution remains elusive. Hundreds of civilians have died under the constant confrontation between the states and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIL) (Al Jazeera 2017). Another issue that draws my attention is that of North Korea, which is threatening to test its nuclear bombs. Many other conflicts are apparent in Africa, for instance, Congo and South and North Sudan. The last two have been hostile since their separation. The status of conflicts in different regions of the world calls for a vibrant resolution framework to ensure a harmonious absence of confrontations, which adversely affect human life as well as lead to the destruction of properties. My interest in conflict resolution emanates from the desire to see a world that is safe and free of instances of compromising human rights.The entire issue surrounding different conflicts across the globe raises one fundamental question
The entire issue surrounding different conflicts across the globe raises one fundamental question. Can the adversities associated with the conflicts be reduced through the adoption of structured negotiations between the parties involved? My view emanates from the disastrous implications of the conflicts, especially if they rise to war. For instance, what will happen if the current stalemate between the United States and North Korea escalates to war? The consequences will be disastrous not only to the citizens of the two countries but also to other regions of the world as well. The most obvious effect will be the widespread deaths of people and displacement of the population (Chetail and Bauloz 2014, p.634). I perceive the stalemate as something that can be addressed amicably through the utilization of robust conflict resolution approaches; the formation of peace treaties is critical to finding solutions to the problems faced in different parts of the globe.From a personal experience
From a personal experience, I have always perceived negotiation as a viable approach towards finding common ground in times of conflict. In the cases I am privy to, where the parties involved have agreed to negotiate for reaching a common ground that caters to the interest of both factions, the outcomes have been positive. It is from this experience that I developed a positive perception towards international conflict solution initiatives as essential in mitigating cases of clashes before they escalate to confrontations, which may have adverse impacts on the general populace. In the most instances, the negotiation process often does not incorporate the view of the general populace, as the leadership tends to prioritize their interests. Bellamy (2014, p.17) explains how this grandstanding frequently affects the outcome of negotiations. For instance, in 2006, Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), refused to sign an agreement with Congo's government unless he was acquitted of the crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Such instances disadvantage the masses, calling for the adoption of comprehensive negotiation approaches that guarantee the incorporation of the interests of all the affected parties.In the module
In the module, multiple insights regarding approaches to conflict resolution in the international context were elaborated. The concept of negotiation has been comprehensively elucidated as an efficient approach to the management of clashes that affect different countries, or in instances where the international community is called upon to help reach a common ground. According to Lewicki, Weiss, and Lewin (2001, p.236), negotiation, in addition to mediation, constitutes non-coercive approaches in addressing conflicts between the parties. The concept of negotiation is contributory to my understanding of conflict resolution in the international context, as it enables one to analyze a situation and come up with facts about a given situation. It works well when implemented alongside mediation so that there is a third party to oversee the writing of an agreement.Despite the concept of conflict resolution
Despite the concept of conflict resolution being comprehensively tackled in the module, additional insights ought to have been given on how the negotiating parties should reflect the needs of the general populace who may not be in touch with the negotiation and mediation team. At times, the parties fail to reach a compromise, and the masses end up suffering. The module could have provided a framework through which the masses can be spared of the atrocities that often befall them in crises. Being a student of politics and international relations, I see a crisis as an interplay of failures of political players and lack of robust international policies to guarantee peace when political factions exhibit divergent perspectives on a particular subject. The relationship between country politics and its impacts on international relations was not adequately explored in the module. However, it gives me an opportunity to further research on how international policies are affected by internal politics and how countries can harmonize it to accomplish optimization internally leading to robust state-to-state intercourse with the neighbors from other parts of the world.References
Al Jazeera, 2017. Syrian ‘civilians killed’ in ISIL attack in Deir Az Zor. [Online] Available at: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/syrian-civilians-killed-isil-attack-deir-az-zor-171117162421568.html [Accessed 21 Nov. 2017].
Bellamy, A.J., 2015. The responsibility to protect: A defence. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Boyd, R., 2014. The search for lasting peace: Critical perspectives on gender-responsive human security. Burlington: Ashgate.
Chetail, V. and Bauloz, C., 2014. Research handbook on international law and migration. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Lewicki, R.J., Weiss, S.E. and Lewin, D., 1992. Models of conflict, negotiation and third party intervention: A review and synthesis. Journal of Organisational Behavior, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 209-252.
Pekkanen, S.M., Ravenhill, J. and Foot, R., 2014. Oxford handbook of the international relations of Asia. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Young, C., 1998. Ethnic diversity and public policy: A comparative inquiry. London: Palgrave Macmillan UK.
