Prospects and Problems of International Relations discipline of social sciences in Pakistan

 

“Prospects and Problems of International Relations discipline of social sciences in Pakistan ”

Introduction

All and sundry associated with the social science are aware about the significance of the International relations in our country. We obviously live in complicated and tumultuous times, although the world has never been an uncomplicated place. Having provided a broad-brush portion of the contemporary international system, International Relations focus on specific elements of international system and divulge the interaction of over 6.6 billion people ,192 nation states and more than 3000 MNCs playing their cards and determining “who gets what, when, and how in the global comity”. The Subjects of Social sciences are prime subject without which no any country can prosper and get due respect in the comity of nations. Unfortunately, these subjects have been deliberately neglected in Pakistan in the past. Social sciences cover an extensive array of subjects that study recorded human behaviour     and also analyses the situation in which human beings live and work.

There is no dearth of talent in our country. The only need is to manage them in a proper direction. The social scientist waged a valiant struggle and exercised their enormous pressure over the successive governments. Corollary, the government has recognized its importance, decided to develop it by pooling all its resources and providing necessary incentives, and increased its national budget for the betterment of Social Sciences. The purpose of this article is to inculcate and enhance the interest of people and students in International Relations and make the public worldlier. This paper will explore the scope, significance and need of International Relations, an important discipline of social science in Pakistan and proffer suggestion for its development in Pakistan.

The international system has become somewhat less polarized and more flexible in terms of alignment patterns. The East West conflict between communist and the non-communist eliminated. Nevertheless, other problems such as the North and South struggle between rich and poor states exists, one’s enemies on one axis of conflict might be allies on some other axis. Conflict shifted from East West to Christianity verses Islam with the help of Islamic leaders. In such complicated situation, the social scientist and the people of knowledge can play an important and crucial role to avert clash of civilization and save the humanity from annihilation, promote the world peace, and save the succeeding generation from scourge of War. They interact with the people of other nations and religions far better than others can. The annual economic growth rate of Pakistan is more than seven per cent at present only because of the people at the helm of social sciences.

The growth rate of our country can be doubled with the active participation of the faculty member from universities and colleges equipped with the knowledge of International Politics and tools of Diplomacy. As it was vindicated by the former Foreign Secretary of State of USA Condoleezza Rice who was a Professor of International Relations in an American University. Our country can eliminate poverty ignorance disease and hunger by attracting Foreign Direct Investment by using tools of better diplomacy. Experts of international relations can provide rational guideline to the government on preparation of foreign policy based on needs and aspirations of people of entire Pakistan.

 

Definition and Importance of International Relations in present world

 

International Relations are that branch of Social science, which relates to the political life of State. George Bernard Shaw the famous dramatist and the thinker of the 20th century calls political science as the sciences by alone civilization can be saved. Following the end of cold war International Relations has superseded the role of Political science, confined it to the boundaries of a state, and proved that it can save the world from annihilation. “The present world is passing through a tumultuous period ever since the dawn of the 1990s, with no signs of relenting”.  Nevertheless, in the present century and especially after 9/11 the nature and scope of International Relations has altered and a leader equipped with the knowledge and sinews of international politics can save and procure nations strategic and economic interests, as did by the leader of our country. According to Norman D. Palmer and Howard C. Perkins, “The Study of International Relations is not a science with which we solve the problems of international life. At its best it is an objective and systematic approach to those problems.” Jeremy Bentham first used the term International Relations in the later part of Eighteenth century with regard to Laws of Nations.

Consequently, the term got currency and used to define the official relations between two or more than two sovereign states. Some scholar and strategist even include the economic social and cultural relations amongst the states also within the purview of the subject. According to Stanley Hoffman “international relations is concerned with the factors and the activities which affect the external policies and the powers of the basic units into which the world is divided” . Hartmann opines that ‘International Relations, as a field of study is focused upon the process by which states adjust their national interest to those of other states.”   In the present era, the International Relations and International Politics has become two side of a coin. The International Politics is the system and mechanics of decision-making that concerns the procuring of the national interest from other nations without injuring their national interest and raising and distribution of resources within the national boundary. According to Morgenthau, “International politics is the struggle for, and use of, power among nations” .  K.W Thompson, in his book ‘The Theory and Practice of International Relations’ define International Politics, as “the study of rivalry among nations and conditions and institutions which ameliorate or exacerbate these relationships”.

In international relations, ‘national interest’ is an effort to describe the underlying rationale for the behaviour of a state, which preserves and protects its values and institutions, besides its territorial integrity against attacks. National interests can be defined as ‘the general and continuing ends for which a nation acts” . Needs and desires of any state act as its strategic drivers. At the global level, clashes of interests result in conflicts over economic power and welfare, manifested in disputes over trade, investment, and other issues”.  During the nineteenth century, Britain and Russia vied with each other to enhance their influence in Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Persia (now Iran). This competition was termed the “Great Game”.   In the present-day scenario, the Russian Federation is trying to maintain its monopoly on Central Asia’s resources, to secure its vital strategic interests and trying to keep away the US. On the other hand, these Russian efforts are perceived by the United States as threatening its vital interests. To protect these interests, US policy-makers have adopted strategies to undermine Russian influence in the region. An expert on Central Asia once stated that, “There is a “Great Game” of a sort. The stakes of the players are high, the rules do not appear to be fixed and there is a competition and also cooperation between players. The end is not in sight but the game has certainly commenced.”

As man is social animal of the world so are the international units. As man cannot live, alone so states cannot sustain individually. Therefore, like man state has to maintain relations with other states. The state has to maintain relations with other state for two reasons one to get benefit and the other factor is fear. The benefit is accruing from trade and cooperation in various vital fields. The fear of being subjugated by other big and strong states compels states to maintain relations to preserve its integrity. These factors started the history of international relations among states throughout the annals of history. It is a multifaceted field where every state has to take steps considering the wishes and aspirations of other states. Although every state is free to pursue independent foreign policy, yet it has to take into account the sentiments and anticipated repercussions of foe and friend alike. A Muslim country, like Pakistan has to look to brethren Muslim countries before formulating foreign policy. It has to consider the repercussions and annoyance of Muslim countries.

In today’s interdependent world, even a Super Power is not free to take any action in the world politics without considering other global, regional powers, international and regional institutions. Because, it has to maintain diplomatic, commercial and strategic relations with other strategically located states. In recent time when USA concludes a ‘Henry and Hyde’ nuclear pact with India bypassing and ignoring Pakistan, Pakistan showed its displeasure and protested against this deal. Subsequently, United States has to clarify its position, assured that balance of power in the region would not be disturbed, and USA will regard Pakistan as an ally and support its principled stand. When China and India normalized their relations, China also assured Pakistan that normalization of relation would not affect Pakistan’s relations with China and always support its stand and position. They have to consider the aspirations of Pakistan, which is suitable for them for many strategic reasons. Without Pakistan’s active cooperation, they are unable to preserve their vital strategic interest in the region.

 

Development of International Relations in the World

 

The International relations has old history. It existed with the commencement of state. In primitive time the states were so large that it could not even conducted its own internal affairs so that they deliberately ignored foreign relations. It actually started from Europe (Peace treaty of “Westphalia 24 October 1648 one of the important points demarking the medieval from the modern period in Europe’s development”  and now no country can survive without pursuing it. Following the industrial revolution, the world has considerably shrunk. The improvement in means of communication further brought the states closer and greatly contributed to the development of International Relations. As we know that International Relations was the branch of political science but following the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) it acquired status of an independent discipline and even surpassed the Political Science. The real multifaceted International Relations developed after the conclusion of Westphalia Treaty.  The passage of time has brought about diverse changes in the European politics. These include the dawn of representative governments, the industrial revolution, demographic changes, unavoidability of economic interdependence, and urge for formulation of procedures for the amicable settlement of political disputes.

The development of International Relations started its journey from Westphalia to Utrecht, Utrecht to Vienna (1815), Vienna to Versailles (1919) and Versailles to present international scenario. During these periods, the race for colonial supremacy among powers of Europe was in full swing. These treaties established a balance of power in Europe and no European state could act without considering other states reaction. Whenever they violated the settled tenets of International Relations, they were annihilated and destroyed. After the end of World War II, various developments took place in European politics, which contributed for the development of International Relations in Europe. The centre of power was shifted to Asia and America. The study of International Relations emphasizes the study and analysis of factors and influences which shape the behaviors of international units. The development of the study of international relations got a rapid thrust after the WW II, which had shaken the entire edifice of international politics of Europe.

The eminence of International Relations has salvaged the subjugated humanity from the clutches of European Colonialism.  It helped the establishment of United Nations Organization that was forced by the changing order of international politics to initiate the process of decolonization. The forces of international Relations have come with flying colours and the number of international units increased from 51 to 192. The world leaders have been forced to divert their attention to the betterment of human security rather than territorial security. The study of International Relations has compelled the leaders of world to fight collectively against their common enemy and raise the living standard of humanity irrespective of race, creed, region and religion. 

The scope of international relations has greatly expanded in modern times due to emergence of new states on the face of globe. In its nascent stage, it was concerned only with the study of diplomatic history, foreign policies and International Law. In sixteenth and seventeenth century, it was different from today’s complex international Politics. Its scope is constantly changing and acquiring more fields of study under its domain. In pre WWII days International Relations was conducted by western diplomats and leaders. Since the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 by former Soviet Union and especially after 9/11 attack and nowadays the western leaders are dependent on the crucial collaboration of Muslim States such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and newly emerged Central Asian States of Economic Cooperation Organisation. The western world is dependent on the oil and gas of Muslin States and striving to control this natural wealth.

            State system is the starting point to the development of international relations. The state system has influenced the International field since last three centuries. The ambit of international relations has been the development and interactions of state. State has and will remain the domain of International Relations. However, the number and size of states will change. At the “time of establishment of UN, there were only 51 countries”  while today in 2009 there are “192 sovereign countries” . Therefore, the extent of International Relations has widened and extended to all sovereign and independent states of world.

As we know that International Relations is the struggle for power to “manipulate and impose will upon others” . National power has remain the basic factor which gives a state a capacity or power to acquire national interest and at the same time it makes a state effective in international transactions. The Great Britain before the WW II had potential and power hence; it controlled and shaped the contours of world politics. However, after the WW II, it lost its national power and prestige therefore, could not perpetuate its rule over its colonies. The USA has enormous national power and it is able to impose its will upon the weaker states. The former Soviet Union “during the cold war has also enough national power to withstand the antagonist policies of USA” . However, it could not withstand the onslaught of USA carried out with the help of Muslim world and was buried in the mountains of Torabora and give birth to many independent sovereign states from Baltic Sea to Central Asia. After disintegration, it has not been able to pursue confrontational policy hence become partner of USA and adopted cooperative policy. The states interact through their foreign policies and thus, foreign policy in International Relations is like a charter containing the national interest showing the areas of agreeability and incompatibility. The foreign policy of countries has greatly contributed to the development and progress of International Relations. “Relations among states are governed both by the nature of states and that of international society”.

Nationalism is the most significant factor for the development of modern International Relations. It has dramatically changed the classical nature of International Relations and has been responsible for the shifting of power from Europe to America and Asia. The development of nationalism has affected the old form of European imperialism and colonialism. “The forces of nationalism successfully asserted themselves” . The spirit of nationalism defeated the mighty Empires of Europe and relegated them to secondary position. Still it is present in one or other silhouette.  These destroyed powers have reshaped and reunited them in the form of European Union. It continues to be an important aspect of International Politics. Nationalism forced the European Colonial states to occupy other rich countries to get resources for its unsatiated people. Again, Nationalism united the subjugated masses against the European Colonial powers and compelled them to accord independence to their states. US unilateralism has stepped into the European shoes.

In the post war period, diverse dynamic elements sprang up in international field, which have not only complicated the study of international relations but also widened its scope. The United Nation was established to save the succeeding generations from the scourge of war. The scope of International Relations extended and it brought within its domain the functioning of international institution and its role of maintaining world peace and promoting socio economic development. Inclement cold war started between two super powers because of suspicious policies pursued by two super powers. The Communist and socialist philosophy was gaining ground and Communist revolution was established in China in 1948.

The Eastern European countries were fallen to Socialist philosophy. The United States in order to contain threatening ideology established alliance system, such as North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO (“April 4, 1949” ), South East Asian Treaty Organisation SEATO (“September 8, 1954” ), and Central Treaty Organisation CENTO (“February 24, 1955” ). “NATO was the first of the major, formal regional arrangements” . Two mighty states of Asia by population and area wise were posing a direct ideological threat to the capitalist philosophy. The former USSR also established WARSAW pact (“May 14, 1955” ). These pacts were basically aimed to contain and annihilate each other. Third world countries emerged, following the initiation of decolonization process by the United Nations. The destruction of European powers forced them to relegate occupied territories. The push by former USSR also helped these poor and subjugated countries to get freedom from European colonial powers. The former Soviet Union itself disintegrated in December 1991 and Muslim Central Asian republics emerged on the map of world.

The new regional groupings in various parts of world such as Association of South East Asian Nations ASEAN (August 1967), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC (December 1985), Economic Cooperation Organisation ECO (1985 Expanded in November 1992), Organisation of Islamic Countries OIC (1969), North Atlantic Free Trade Area NAFTA, and European Union (EU) was established to get maximum benefit of mutual cooperation. In recent past new war against terrorism has been launched following the destruction of World Trade Centre. The scope of international relations has shifted from state to state relation to state and non-state actors. These Non States Actors with the help of invisible powers of state pursue objectives apart from national governments and measure sword with other global powers affecting world politics. It is evident that International Relations have extended to new undefined boundaries. The United Nation has acquired new authority and the sovereignty of nation state is eroded in the name of human rights, human security, nuclear proliferation, and democratization of countries and curbing the civil wars.

 

Significance of International Relations as an academic discipline in Pakistan

 

            “In the present day, interdependent world the study of International Relations has enormous significance. It enables nations to comprehend social, economic and foreign policies of countries in international scenario and leads to progress” . It enables us to comprehend the basic motives underlying the policies of various countries in international scenario and study reasons, which contributed to their ultimate success or letdown. It also enables us to have an insight into the problems facing the world and to unravel them rationally. Through the study of International Relations, we can analyse and ascertain how USA and Russia became partner for peace after fighting inclement cold war for decades. The study of International Relations shows how destroyed countries of Europe achieved collaboration and established European Union of 27 countries. The study of International Relations is key to the progress as it helps build synergy to promote national economic interest. It helps build bridges across differences of geography, history, and civilizations. It reduces the chance of clash of civilization and enhances peaceful cooperation. It reveals the diverse ways in which state and society are organized in their respective physical boundaries. Its study also ensures equal opportunities and equality between the nations of comity and respect for the norms of international law.

Those nations who accorded primacy to the study of International Relations are now reaping benefits. It imbibes the spirit of enlightenment and its knowledge is indivisible and incremental. A person equipped with the sword of International Relations can win the battle of minds and also be able to win the battles of economy, politics and power. He will be able to conduct interfaith dialogue and reduce disharmony. The study of International Relations teaches us how the European, American and Japanese model of political and economic governance succeeded. How they transformed their political culture and became world powers. The studies of International Relations help us to study social, economic, historical and political systems of other countries. It also reveals foreign policies of countries, their history of interaction and veracity of conduct of relations with other states. The study of International Relations teaches how to protect national interest in complex and intricate world politics.

The study of International Relations has greatly contributed to the strengthening of feeling among the states that they must try to conduct their relations along peaceful lines and keep away from military pacts and alliances. In other words, they have come to realize that they must avoid policy of confrontation and adopt policy of cooperation and co-existence as adopted by the peoples Republic of China. This change of policy of cooperation is likely to go a long way in promoting feeling of universal fraternity and elimination of wars from this chaos-filled world. It will help mitigate misunderstanding prevailing in the minds of people of different religion. All political and socio-economic problems confronting the Muslim world and other entire humanity will be resolved justly and in a well-coordinated manner.

 

Development of International Relations as a discipline in Pakistan

 

The study of International Relations in Pakistan also acquired importance following the inclusion of Pakistan in defiance pacts. The people got currency about its significance during 1971 war with India and dismemberment due to inclement world politics and betrayal of friends. The democratic government formed on the ashes of East Pakistan and struggle for survival continued by holding Islamic Summit in Lahore. The people of Pakistan knew the Islamic leaders and pressed the government to pursue rational foreign policy. The Study gained momentum following Afghan War against former Soviet Union and the swift response of world powers. The role of UN, OIC, and Arab world compelled the people of Pakistan to dive into the depth of International Relations. The fall of Berlin wall (9.9.1989) and burial of Communism in Afghanistan by the US with the help of Muslim spirit of Jihad and emergence of newly created Central Asian Republic renewed the importance of International Relations in Pakistani academics. The government established Area Study Centers in Universities of Pakistan to acquaint the student about the regional people and policies. The Universities established International Relations departments. The government introduced in colleges International Relations as optional subject at graduation level and Masters in International Relations discipline. The number of students increased rapidly now it has become second largest opted subjects in the Universities and colleges after economics.

 

Influence of International Relations on domestic politics.

 

            A minor incident occurring in distant part of world can influence the country to alter foreign policy and even domestic policy. These events leave indelible impression on the domestic politics of many countries. Country can take U-turn under the pressure of global powers to serve their interest even inimical to ones national interest. It influences and forces the backward countries to emulate foreign policy, which help other countries to prosper economically and became politically stable. It affects domestic politics positively and negatively. In the present era international system exert pressure on the national governments to accord top priority and energies on economic development, education, elimination of poverty and advancement in the field of health, social justice and fair play. We see that  United Nations, European Union, UNICEF, UNESCO and WHO and other international financial institutions exert enormous pressure on the dictatorial government to give more funds to the development of social sectors otherwise their priority is on the preservation of territorial security rather than human security. As a corollary, these governments reluctantly accord and divert more funds from defense to social sector. It also influences the countries to follow the path of modernism and democracy. The Eight Millennium Development Goal set by the United Nations is vindication of this positive pressure on the Asian and African countries. All countries are endeavoring and pledge to achieve these goals. The South Asian countries had also established SAARC Development Goals to reduce poverty, hunger and other social and economic vices from poverty-ridden South Asia. 

It is the enormous pressure of International system that Afro-Asian countries are according priority to the development of soft sectors otherwise the poverty would have multiplied manifold as  their governments priority is different. Diplomacy in the world deters rulers of third world from pursuing dictatorial, anti poor people policies. The domestic politics following the control of Democratic Party in the congress of US coerced the omnipotent Bush administration to change its foreign policy. In the domestic level of analysis, the domestic politics of many countries also influence the international Politics. Scholars look at how international relations are influenced by domestic actors, non-state actors including special interest groups, political organizations, and government agencies. The domestic level of analysis is also called the state or societal level.

 

Need of International Relations Discipline in Pakistan

 

Being a student of International Relations I have assessed during interviews and viva voce that majority of our population lack knowledge even about our own countries membership in regional organizations. The failure of institutions in Muslim countries is therefore a reminder of the need for winning the battles of minds. Addressing the West, especially the US, General Musharraf surmises: “All the political problems facing the Muslims world will have to be resolved justly and in a well coordinated manner, and full cooperation is needed for the ‘socio-economic’ uplift of the deprived and the backward world of Islam” . The question arises how we will be able tackle these problems. Who will tell us that how the Europeans bury their hatchets and successfully traveled to the destiny of European Union. The extensive study and research of International Relations will reveal us the path followed by the Europeans.

The need of study of international relations in Pakistan is all the greater in modern times than it ever was in the past ages. Modern era is confronted with many and varied international disputes such as terrorism, unresolved political dispute especially affecting Muslim world, nuclear proliferation and nuclear hegemony perpetuated by super powers. The majority of humanity is confronted with hunger, poverty, socio-economic inequality and fatal diseases. In this increasingly interdependent world, its study is essential for human survival and human progress. It reveals how state and nations tend to interact in given situation and so tell us what conditions should be encouraged and what conditions discouraged if we are to promote international harmony and well-being. “The ordinary and majority people are ignorant of formulation and process of Foreign Policy of country” . It is a fact that due to its global importance this subject has superseded other important discipline.

It has been deliberately ignored at the intermediate and college level. “The majority 83 per cent of students are enrolled in Colleges and only 3% are enrolled in universities, which include Science subjects, from 3 %, 2% are enrolled in social science” . Therefore, majority students and teacher of Science and other Social science subject are ignorant of its utility and relevance, such as teachers of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Muslim History, Islamic Culture, Islamiate, Pakistan Study, languages and Economics. The job-oriented examination from clerical level to Competitive level examination mostly comprises the topics of International Relation or relations of our country with global countries, International Institutions and Regional Institutions and monetary institutions, while these are not taught in majority of subjects of social sciences and pure sciences. No student can pass any examination for job without the knowledge of this important subject. Therefore, it is the dire need of people of Pakistan especially Sindh to acquaint themselves with the knowledge of International Relations, as it will help them to compete with developed world. The reports published by the Federal Public Service Commission Islamabad and provincial public service commissions vindicate the dismal situation of knowledge in Pakistan and especially in backward provinces of Pakistan.

 

Benefits of teaching and research of International Relations in Pakistan

           

Benefits of teaching of international relations and research in Pakistan and especially in Sindh are enormous. Teaching and research in this subject is sin quo non-for the understanding of “world politics and logical response to it” . There is dire need of research in this subject, as the foreign policy does not reflect the true aspect of a collective sprit of a nation. It is evident that there is wide cleavage between rulers and the people of Pakistan. Scholars of international relations and the people of knowledge can present case of Pakistan and play an important role to the promotion of world peace and furthering the national interest. They can interact with the people of other nations far better than the government and their functionaries ignorant of complicated world politics. The “federal government should give training to the teachers of universities and colleges, especially, of smaller provinces so that the feeling of one nation emerges and reflected in the foreign policy” . In return, these teachers will present the true aspect of foreign policy to the wide majority of people. The people of Pakistan would be able to understand social, economic and foreign policies of other global and regional countries. Contribute to formulation of rational Foreign Policy in order to achieve national economic and strategic interests. Its study will help eradicate poverty, hunger, disease, got familiarity with the concept of enlightened moderation. It will imbibe the middle way to achieve vital economic and strategic interest from other countries. Through the study of International Relations, people would comprehend more sophistically and objectively the happening around the world and in return contributes its voice for the elimination of diseases without borders and help stop victimization of weaker states on ideological basis.

The people will be able to assess the significant role being played by the UN and its agencies in the Socio-economic field and peace in the world. The people of Pakistan are more liberal and responsive to international occurrence and comprehend changing scenario. Pakistan has extended its relations with all powers of world therefore its study got importance. It is now biggest discipline in all universities and colleges of Pakistan. No student can pass any competitive examination without its extensive study. The people of Pakistan are aware of its importance therefore they are enrolling their offspring in this vital field. All job-oriented tests include knowledge of world while only superficial Pakistan Movement is taught in colleges. No Job oriented study is offered in colleges, only International Relations can cater to the needs of this crucial field. To create a culture of global interaction that harnesses the power of knowledge and opens minds to reorganizing state and society, “a Muslim renaissance”   would emerge through its study and research.

 

Suggestions for development of International Relations discipline in Pakistan

 

Following rational and practicable suggestion and recommendations are proffered for the enhancement and development of International Relations discipline. As we know that during last 60 years Pakistan’s foreign policy was prepared by those who were not qualified, enough to formulate important national and international policies hence could not comprehend the intricate international politics. Due to failure in transacting the real essence of diplomacy our rulers lost the battle of talk with global powers. Despite our military victory over India, our country dismembered in 1971. The foreign policy makers were aligning them with inimical forces only to get their own perceived national interest. It is a pity that International Relations as a subject was deliberately neglected by governments since inception of Pakistan and unlike other countries establishment of think tanks comprising academicians and experts were also ignored. The developed countries promote the establishment of think tanks where all national and international issues are discussed in a free democratic way.

In first world the government take feed back from think tanks comprising of scholars, academics and then formulate the foreign  policy while in our country their development was impeded in the name of national interest and even suppressed. While a brotherly Muslim country Malaysia prospered by adopting a foreign policy proffered by academicians and experts in international relations. So the government should promote establishment of ‘Think Tanks’ in all Universities and colleges. “The focus should be on improving the domestic situation in creating the base of knowledge that is relevant for domestic needs as well as taking advantage of demographic asymmetry that is producing so much ferment in the way in which world economies and social systems are interacting with one another”.  

Universities of our country are producing a good number of Masters in International Relations. They are not getting employment because of Masters in International Relations in any government department or financial institutions and in the Education fields due to outdated policies of provincial governments of appointing teachers in saturated fields or unnecessary and unproductive discipline. That’s why the admission in this important subject is declining. The new reforms to promote International Relations are designing new curricula; improving the quality and quantity of International Relations teachers; introduction of International Relations at intermediate level. This must include International Relations as optional subject at Intermediate level. International Relations should be taught for at least one year at intermediate level as Pak study is taught from primary level in schools. The absence of knowledge not only about world interaction but also Pakistan’s interaction and their implications for Pakistan are creating problems for students and nation as whole. It is not possible to become knowledgeable citizen and to take part in governance without knowledge of other successful countries.

International Relations are not simply reading facts and happenings strung together in a chronological order. It means understanding how other societies have been shaped by their people and events outside and inside the country. International Relations study /course work in colleges from intermediate level is not to make a good citizen of a country but to make a good, forward looking, tolerant and enlightened citizen of global village. The subject of International Relations should be introduced at intermediate level instead of foreign languages, or merge with Pakistan Study and Civics subject, which to some extent, is relevant to it. Merger of both subjects especially in Sindh is essential as in other provinces it has been under one department. There is need to bring the people of Sindh at par with the people of Pakistan. The sense of deprivation will be mitigated and the foundation of state will solidify.

The government should appointment Lecturers and Professors of this discipline into government colleges with higher qualification and research. The higher Education Commission and Ministry of Education should encourage this vital subject. The Higher Education Commission should promote and contribute for writing of new books of International Relations by Pakistani academics in which Pakistan’s rational politics should reflect and reveals gains and loss by the all governments since independence. The HEC should train the professors of International Relations and accord scholarships and foreign trainings so that they become aware of these countries foreign policy and methods of achieving national interest. Its study will bring the people of South Asia, Central Asia and Muslim world closer and know each other thereby regional peace and harmony will prevail.

 

Achievement of International Relations

 

The great accomplishment of International Relations is the end of World War II, and the establishment of United Nations Organisation on the demise of League of Nations. It prevented third world war, decolonized the entire countries and helped achieve independence to the majority of countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Its process achieved the end of cold war between two super powers. It has compelled the world community to wage war against disease, hunger, illiteracy and poverty. It helped resolved lot of political disputes and civil wars in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It also forced the autocratic government to allocate more funds for soft sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure, provision of safe drinking water and eradication of poverty. It is exerting pressure to solve two major problems of Muslim world. It is playing its global objective of minimization of violence, maximization of social and economic welfare and Justice. International Relations is endeavoring to make public more worldly and bringing them out of shell of national boundaries.

 

Conclusion

 

Pakistan and the Islamic world can regain its past glory by acquiring economic and political stability through promotion of social sciences including international relations. So if we want to get down to reducing poverty and global disparities we have to address the core issue of interplay between national and international politics and realize that the valiant struggle for a fair international order must go hand in hand for a equitable international order based on democratic values and respect for human rights within the state and in world. Through the extensive understanding of International Relations, we can drag ourselves out of the quagmire of poverty and social backwardness through individual exaltation and collective socio-economic emancipation. What we need today is self-introspection. We have been left far behind in social, moral and economic development only because we are unable to comprehend convoluted world politics and forced to think myopically. Unfortunately, during our decline we remained in our own shell and refused to learn from others. We thus reached the present depths of despair and despondency. We need to face stark realities.

The path of knowledge will lead us to our past glory and also show the light to progress and development acquired by the world. The time for renaissance has come. The way forward is to head towards enlightenment and concentrate on human resource development, poverty alleviation, education, health and social justice through the enhancement of social sciences. One cannot close the eyes to the fact that unless the field of social sciences including International Relations gets proper encouragement from people at the helm of affairs and the social scientist are equipped with sound academic skills to play a energetic role in society it will be quite difficult to fulfill the prerequisite of 21st century in Pakistan.

Professor Abdul Qayum Mangi                     

Ex Professor of International Relations

Principal & Head Department of International Relations

Post Graduate Studies Center @ Government Islamia Arts College

Sukkur. Pakistan.

REFERENCES

[1] ‘Enlightened Moderation’, an article of former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf Published in National and International Dailies on 02 Jun 2004.

[1] Stanley Hoffmann, ‘International Relations’, Bell, London, 1962, p. 77

[1] F.H. Hartmann, ‘Relations of nations’, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1963, p. 5.

[1] Hans L. Morgenthau, ‘Politics among Nations’, NBF Islamabad, p. 27.

[1] Dr Sultan Khan, ‘A Study of International Relations’ Lahore: Famous Books Ltd, 1999, p. 101.

[1] Samuel P. Huntington, ‘The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order’, New York: Touchstone Books 1997, p. 208.

[1] For further details, please see, Peter Hopkirk, ‘The Great Game’, London: John Murray Publishers, 1990.

[1] Gareth M. Winrow, ‘Pipeline Politics and Turkey, A New Great Game in Eurasia’, Istanbul:
Istanbul Bilgr University, 1997, p. 26.

[1] Lynn H. Miller, ‘Global Order, Values and Power in International Politics’, West view Press, London, 1990, p.20.

[1] United Nations Year Book 2006.

[1] www.un.org

[1] Quincy Wright, ‘International Law and the Balance of Power’.  American Journal of International Law’.www.ajil.org/articles.

[1] H. Bradford Weterfield, ‘The Instruments of America’s Foreign Policy’, Crowell, New York, 1963, p. 40.

[1] Joseph Frankel, ‘International Relations’, Oxford University Press, London, 1969, p, 71.

[1] Ibid, p. 129.

[1] Dr. Safdar Mahmood, ‘International Affairs’, Jang Publishers, 2004. p. 70.

[1] Ibid. p.88.

[1] Ibid. p.89.

[1] ‘The Use of Force in International Relations’, Edited by F. S. Northedge, Faber and Faber Limited London, 1974, p. 74.

[1] Ibid, p.87.

[1] International Relations as Subject, Dawn Karachi, November 06, 2008.

[1] ‘Enlightened Moderation’ an article of former President Pervez Musharraf Published in National and International Dailies on 02 Jun 2004.

[1] Dr Habibullah Siddiqui, ‘Education in Sindh: Past and Present’, Institute of Sindhiology, University of Sindh Jamshoro. P. 25.

[1] www.moe.gov.pk

[1] Kamran Shahid, ‘International Relations & Political Theory’, Ferozsons, Lahore.2006. P, 23.

[1] Daily Kawish, May 16, 2006. www.dailykawish.com

[1] Syed Mohibullah Shah, ‘Knowledge is the Key to progress’, the Dawn Karachi, November 13, 2006 

[1]Shahid Javed Burki, ‘Primacy of Social Sciences’, the Dawn Karachi May 23, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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