International Relations: Actors, Theories & Nepal’s Role

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What is International Relations (IR)?

International Relations (IR) studies how countries and other actors interact in the global arena. It includes:

• Actors: Who participates (states, NGOs, corporations).
• Theories: Why they act (power, cooperation, morality).
• Nepal’s Position: How Nepal engages with the world.

1. Key Actors in IR

Actors are the players in global politics. They can be state (governments, nations) or non-state (NGOs, corporations).

A. State Actors

• Nations: Groups of people with shared culture, history, and territory (e.g., Nepal, India).
• Governments: Official bodies that make decisions (e.g., Nepal’s Government of National Accord).
• International Governmental Organizations (IGOs):
  • Created by states to solve global issues.
  • Examples:
    • United Nations (UN): Promotes peace, human rights.
    • SAARC: Regional cooperation in South Asia.
    • BIMSTEC: Economic and tech cooperation (Bay of Bengal region).

B. Non-State Actors

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
  • Work for social causes (e.g., Red Cross, Amnesty International).
  • Influence global policies (e.g., climate change, human rights).
• Multinational Corporations (MNCs):
  • Businesses operating in multiple countries (e.g., Tata Motors, Coca-Cola).
  • Affect economies and politics (e.g., tax laws, jobs).
• Terrorist Groups:
  • Use violence to achieve goals (e.g., Al-Qaeda, Taliban).
  • Challenge state sovereignty.

The UN’s global headquarters in New York, symbolizing state cooperation. (Image: Jakub Hałun, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

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2. Major Theories of International Relations

Theories explain why countries act the way they do. The three main theories are:

A. Realism

• Focus: Power, security, and national interest.
• Key Beliefs:
  • States are the most important actors.
  • War and conflict are common.
  • Example: The Cold War (USA vs. USSR) was driven by power struggles.
• Criticism: Ignores cooperation and global issues like poverty.

B. Liberalism

• Focus: Cooperation, trade, and institutions.
• Key Beliefs:
  • States can work together for mutual benefit.
  • Example: The World Trade Organization (WTO) helps global trade.
• Criticism: Powerful countries (e.g., USA, China) dominate decisions.

C. Idealism

• Focus: Morality, human rights, and global justice.
• Key Beliefs:
  • Countries should act ethically.
  • Example: The UN’s role in protecting refugees.
• Criticism: Hard to enforce; states often ignore moral issues for power.

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3. Nepal’s Foreign Policy and International Relations

Nepal follows a neutral and non-aligned foreign policy. This means:

• Neutrality: Nepal does not take sides in major conflicts (e.g., USA vs. China).
• Balance: Nepal maintains good relations with both India and China (its two giant neighbors).
• Regional Focus: Nepal is active in SAARC and BIMSTEC for economic and political cooperation.

A. Nepal’s Key Foreign Policy Goals

1. Neutrality: Avoiding alliances with superpowers.
2. Peaceful Coexistence: Friendly relations with neighbors (India, China, Bangladesh).
3. Economic Development: Using foreign aid and trade for growth.
4. Humanitarian Role: Helping in disasters (e.g., sending relief to earthquake-hit Turkey in 2023).

B. Nepal’s Role in Regional Organizations

C. Challenges in Nepal’s Foreign Policy

• Dependence on India and China: Nepal relies on both for trade, aid, and security.
• Border Disputes: Conflicts with India over Kalapani and Lipulekh.
• Limited Resources: Nepal struggles to balance relations due to small size and economy.

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4. Case Study: Nepal’s Relations with India and China

Nepal must balance its ties with India (neighbor and economic partner) and China (growing influence via BRI).

Example:

• In 2020, India blocked fuel supplies to Nepal after a border dispute. Nepal had to rely on China for fuel, showing its vulnerability.

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Exam Tip: How to Score Full Marks in NEB Exams

1. Understand Key Terms:
   • Define state actors, non-state actors, realism, liberalism, and idealism clearly.
   • Example answer:

     "Realism is a theory in International Relations that emphasizes power, security, and national interest as the primary goals of states."

2. Compare Theories:

   • Use a table (like above) to compare realism, liberalism, and idealism.
   • Mention one example for each (e.g., Cold War for realism).

3. Analyze Nepal’s Foreign Policy:

   • Explain Nepal’s neutrality and balance between India and China.
   • Discuss one challenge (e.g., border disputes, economic dependence).

4. Use Real-World Examples:

   • Mention SAARC, BIMSTEC, or UN when explaining cooperation.
   • Refer to recent events (e.g., Nepal’s role in COVID-19 aid).

5. Diagrams and Maps:

   • Draw a mindmap of IR actors or a map of SAARC/BIMSTEC.
   • Label clearly for extra marks.

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NEB Board-Style Questions (Practice)

Short Answer (5 marks)

1. "Explain the difference between state and non-state actors in International Relations with examples." Answer:

   • State actors: Governments and nations (e.g., Nepal, UN).
   • Non-state actors: NGOs (Red Cross), MNCs (Coca-Cola), terrorist groups.
   • Difference: State actors have legal authority; non-state actors influence but do not govern.

2. "What is realism in International Relations? Give one example." Answer:

   • Realism focuses on power and national interest.
   • Example: The Cold War (USA vs. USSR) was driven by power struggles.

Long Answer (10 marks)

3. "Describe Nepal’s foreign policy. How does Nepal balance its relations with India and China?" Answer:
   • Nepal follows neutrality and non-alignment.
   • Balancing Act:
     • India: Major trade partner but has disputes (Kalapani).
     • China: Invests in infrastructure (e.g., roads) but Nepal avoids over-dependence.
   • Challenges: Border disputes, economic reliance, limited resources.
   • Solution: Nepal engages in SAARC and BIMSTEC for regional cooperation.

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A map showing Nepal’s borders with India and China, highlighting Kalapani and Lipulekh disputes. (Image: United States. Central Intelligence Agency, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)