What Is ‘International Affairs’?

Inter-nation-al. What is a ‘nation’?

Common Descent?

Common Language?

Common History?

“A nation is a group of people who identify themselves as a nation, sometimes on the basis of common cultural, linguistic, ethnic, rational, or religious characteristics.

Is International Affairs Really About Relations Among States?

“A STATE is (1) a bounded territory that is

(2) governed by a central authority, (3) whose leaders claim to represent all persons within the territory, and (4) which is widely recognized as a state by other states.”

Other International Actors:

1. Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs)

2. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

· Advocacy Groups

· Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

· Professional Associations

· Media Organizations

· Criminal and Terrorist Networks

3. Religious and Ethnic Movements

4. Markets

5. Individuals

“INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS are transactions that take place between states, across states, or above the level of the state.”