International Politics

International Politics

International Politics, as a field of study, does not have an old tradition. It was born about 100 years ago to overcome the prevalent Utopian understanding of the world. The founders of this field thought that international society was based on power politics instead of international morals or ideas of justice. This assumption has had a big influence. However, in recent year new realities are eroding it gradually. Now the American president asserts the abolition of nuclear weapons and the leaders of major powers pledge to tackle global warming mutually. Although wars are certainly occurring more frequently even now, international cooperation is developing little by little. Therefore we have to study both the reality of the struggle between states, including war, and also the cooperation which is more and more organised. Through this process we will learn the structural features of international society.

TOMIKAWA Hisashi

Professor
Subject of Studies : International Politics