2. What is the Importance and Significance of Ideology in International Relations & Global system?

Padelford and Lincoln define Ideology as “a body of ideas concerning economic, social and political values and goals with positive action programmes for attaining those goals.” Ideology plays a very significant role in human behaviour. The moral and religious aspirations of men have always influenced the political behavior of the society & states. It sets a pattern in the society, which can hardly be ignored by national or international leaders. Ideology is interpreted to suit the purposes of the society and states. It is admitted at all hands that ideology constitutes the backbone of a society and state and strives for its effective implementation. It establishes the intellectual framework, prescribes long-range goals to be promoted and points to a moral and ethical system for policy makers. Ideology is based upon certain assumptions about the nature of man and society from which concepts of order and mission are evolved. It consolidates individuals and groups in a society to common purpose and puts before them the ideal solution of their political, social and economic problems. Morgenthau believes that ideology is a mask to conceal the true nature of political actions. Ideology is also helpful in raising the morale of the people. At the time of a crisis, the people may be exhorted to withstand the sufferings for a better order and just cause and the ideologies may picture the hollowness of an antagonistic ideology to break the morale of opponents. The way the newly emerged nations of Africa and Asia are being wooed ideologically through propaganda. After the end of the World War 11 the developing countries of the third world are passing through transition. Both the adherents of communism and capitalism are vying with each other to tie up these states with assistance of ideology. It has been a living notion throughout the annals of world history. It stimulated the humanity to impose their ideas on other nations; as a result, wars became inevitable. The ideas, which prevailed over other, became a reality and nations are following their prescriptions. Following the end of Second World War, numerous states emerged on ideological basis. Ideologies are also helpful in raising the morale of the people. At the time of a crisis, the people readily withstand the sufferings and pledge for a better order and just cause. Ideology played and contributed for the development of the state in the world. Ideology played a vital role because it imparts common thinking and traditions to the people hence unity and coherence is developed among the people. Thus, a common ideology has been contributing for the development of a particular characteristic and oneness in the society and state throughout ages. Since the dawn of civilizations, ideology has been producing self-consciousness and prudence among people due to this they become fully aware/conscious/cognizant about basic objectives of a society and state. They make the rational and productive decisions in social, political and economic system of life or government. Ideology is a motivating and stirring force for a nation, which is striving hard to bring stability and homogeneity to its nationhood. Ideology provides the cement-binding base to the scattered groups in a society and brings them closer to each other on a common platform. Ideologies propel/push their disciples/ adherents to pursue a joint line of action for the accomplishment of their ideals. Ideologies give shape to the revolutions and give birth to new cultures and civilizations. Ideology stresses their adherents to be adamant on the realization of their ideals through total transformation of society. Unqualified and firm individual and collective subservience is demanded of those who embrace it and an unquestioned accord with each other on the ideals is the most vital prerequisite of an ideology.