We have learned a lot in IR this semester. International Relations has taken on a whole new meaning for the both of us. Particularly, we are more and more aware of the ability of events in one country to spur or detract events in another. Most specifically, our new view of International Relations has us aware of the interconnectedness of our globe. While all the theories of IR have some perceptive and accurate claims, the liberal theory rings true the most. International Relations is the spread of human rights, it is the increased foreign regulation of domestic policies for things such as the environment, and it is the cooperation among states to create the most advantageous and efficient political economy for everyone. This, of course, is a very idealized view of the world and the states that act within it. Nevertheless, we believe that this is the view that we should take from the course in order to spur the movement towards this possibility in the future. Needless to say, International Relations means plenty of states competing on a global playing field to reach their lofty and individualized goals; however, as was demonstrated by the prisoner’s dilemma - as communication among actors increases, the possibility for cooperation, which is the most advantageous route to world prosperity, similarly rises. Thus, as International Relations become more entrenched in our daily lives, we should see more cooperation, and thus, hopefully, more prosperity for all mankind.
To me, international relations is a means to not only prosper as a global society but to further understanding between different peoples. Today it is more of a benefit to be a global student rather than a domestic one. There are many different meanings to international society and I feel that it is imperative that everyone is versed in international relations. International relations is a means to proseper economically in a world where competition is at its highest. It is all but impossible to buy anything made from a single country with no inputs from anywhere else. The scary part about all of this is that it is only beginning. The world is headed down a path towards even greater interconnectivity and eventually a point of unity. Although that is scary, it also represents great oppurtunities for entrepreneurs and politicians alike. Although I personally do not believe that interconnectedness will ever yield a unified entity such as the E.U, I think that we will eventually be unable to see true nation states. I am excited and thrilled to be heading out into a world where international relations is a daily part of life. The possibilites of this are truly endless. I think that in the end, the world is a better place with heightened international relations and a place where you can truly reach for the stars, both literally and figuratively. No matter what theory or perspective you take be it liberal, realist, or radical they all reach the same end; a world where eveyone is interacting on a scale never before realized. These are truly exciting times.
