International Relations in the Ever-Increasing International Interactions - Essay Example

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE IMPACT OF THE 2010 ERUPTIONS OF EYJAFJALLAJÖKULL ON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Name Institution Professor Course Date Introduction The study of International relations is becoming more pertinent to the modern society. The concept of IR entails how power and authority are utilised to manage and organise trans-border relations amid actors and how this leads to the development, maintenance and transformation of order in the world system. IR therefore relates to the study of non-state and state actors and their link to each other in the international systems. The study of IR is essential as it enhances international interactions in the sense that, it promotes peace through establishment of agreements and treaties amid nations and promotes economy through promoting effective trade policies amid nations. IR also promotes immigration amid nations besides development of human culture where international relations policies promote the sharing of world culture. This essay assesses the importance of study of IR in the ever-increasing international interactions and evaluates its significance and impact on international interactions. The essay focuses on the impact of the 2010 eruptions of eyjafjallajökull on international business and interactions. IR Theories In the field of IR, there are several competing theoretical perspectives or theories. These theories include realism, institutionalism and constructivism among others. Realism is one of the most influential camps of IR theories that thrived during the First and Second World Wars (Baik 2012, p.30). Realism entails a view of global politics that emphasize its conflictual and competitive side. It is contrasted with liberalism and idealism, which stress on cooperation. According to realists, the major actors in the global arena are states concerned with their own sanctuary, act in search of their national interests and fight for power. Realism maintains that nations are unitary, physically founded actors in an radical global system with no power capable of controlling interactions amid nations because no true powerful world government subsists (Brooks & Wohlforth 2008, p.150). According to realists such as George Kennan and Hans Morgenthau, power and power-relationships are the most essential components of international relations that service as the foundation for decision-making (Hall 2011, p.46). This is contrary to the institutionalism theory that holds that states act based on self-interest. Institutionalists such as Keohane Robert maintain that the interests of a state are essential determinant of decision-making in international relations. Economic interests can be the basis of international cooperation. According to Baik (2012, p.31), institutionalism considers a nation’s interests as the decisive aspect in its decision-making. Institutionalists place more emphasis on the responsibility of international establishments and the corresponding cooperation or means of engagement. While realism is categorised by a concern of material coercive power, constructivism challenges the dominance of neo-realist and neo-liberal IR theories. The constructivism theory is concerned with how concepts describes international organisation, how this organisation describes the identities and interests of states and how non-state actors and states reproduce this organisation (Hobson 2000, p.95). The major component of constructivism is the conviction that global politics is natured by collective values, persuasive ideas, social identities and culture. According to constructivism, international reality is constructed socially by cognitive organisations that give meaning to the world. Hopf (2010, p.112) asserts that realism centres on power relations, institutionalisms bases its analyses on interests constellations while constructivism stresses knowledge dynamics, identities and communication. According to Baylis, Smith and Owen (2013, p.155), constructivism explores how the world is constructed and re-constructed through action, how structures of global politics consists the practices, interests and identities of world politics actors. While constructivism recognises the significance of international norms, institutionalism acknowledges that nations willingly established institutions and norms to regulate their conduct if doing so will promote their long-term interests. Both institutionalism and constructivism allow for the possibility that norms and ideas can limit how states pursue their interests. The realists consider the structural design of the global order to anarchic founded on self-help and state sovereignty. Realists place self-interested states as the most essential players in global politics. According to realism, states try to maximise power and survive and consider their interests with respect to power. The realism theory contributes to the comprehension of global governance via stressing the centrality of a nation and significance of self-interest and power in the global arena. Institutionalism, on the other hand, focuses on how routines, conventions, norms and procedures embedded influence global governance and international relations. Institutionalism centres on the responsibility of formal global establishments in coordinating global cooperation. Constructivism focuses on how rules, institutions and norms constitute interests and identities of actors. Constructivism as opposed to institutionalism and realism represents a systemic theory that claims that material structures are not as important as systemic structures (Yigit 2015, p.21). Constructivism and institutionalism are alternative theories of cooperation. Apparently, constructivists have principally centred on correlational analysis that implies how identity and ideas matter (Johnston 2008, p.xvi). In this regard, constructivism has been in a phase of development akin to institutionalism. Case Study: The 2010 Eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull The 2010 eruptions of eyjafjallajökull involved the volcanic occurrences in Iceland. Even though the volcanic eruptions were comparatively small, they trigged massive interruption to air travel across northern and western Europe for several days (Donovan & Oppenheimer 2012, p.1). On April 2014, ash swathed huge areas of northern Europe following the eruption of volcano. Approximately twenty nations had their airspace closed to commercial air traffic with the closure of the airspace affecting over ten million travellers. The seismic action began towards the end of 2009 and steadily augmented in intensity until 20th March 2010 (Aras & Crowther 2012, p.131). On 14th April 2010, the volcanic eruption got into a second stage and formed an ash cloud that prompted the closure of European airspace leading to the largest air travel disruption level since World War II (Donovan & Opprenheimer 2011, p.5). The second phase of the volcanic eruption led to two hundred and fifty million cubic metres of expelled tephra and an ash cloud that reached a height of about nine kilometres. The second phase of eruption subsided by 21st May, 2010 to a point where no extra ash or lava was being ejected (Hall 2012, p.36). The eruption was declared over in October 2010 by Armann, a University of Iceland Institute of Earth Sciences scientist who however asserted that the region that experienced the eruption was geothermally active and would explode again. The 2010 eruption of eyjafjallajökull were single eruption portioned into two phases. The first phase expelled olivine basaltic andesite lava while the explosive phase expelled fine glass-ash. PEST Analysis PEST analysis as a business measurement tool assesses the Political, Economic, Social and Technological aspects that affect a business. The analysis helps one in comprehending the business environment. With respect to the 2010 eruption of eyjafjallajökull, PEST analysis will assess the impacts of the eruption to the global politics, economy, social life and its implication on technology. The 2010 eruption affected the political, economic and social activities not only in Europe but also across the world. Political The widespread air travel interference following the eruption caused shutting down of airspace over scores of nations thereby affecting the travel arrangement of many people in Europe and across the world. Political functions had to cancelled, disrupted or delayed when politicians were not able to reach their destinations (Zadeh & Zaliapin 2014, p.12). For instance, many national and international leaders failed to attend the funeral of Lech Kacynski, the Poland president and his wife because of the air travel disruptions caused by the eruption. In addition, several world politicians and leaders postponed planned trips or were delayed because of the shutdown of airspace and airports. For instance, the Russian prime minister postponed his Murmansk trip. Soldiers on peacekeeping mission and those wounded in war were also stranded. Economic The 2010 eruption of eyjafjallajökull went beyond flight disruptions. Apparently, several nations closed their airspace affecting over ten million travellers. This did not only incur losses to airlines but also affected local and international businesses. Travel firms and logistic companies were affected with thirteen travel firms in the United Kingdom collapsing. According to KU (2013, p.1), the event caused cancellation of over 1000, 000 transatlantic flights, stranding commercial cargo and over ten million passengers for a week. Farming and international trade was also negatively affected. Sectors that depended on air freighted exports and imports were affected. The consumers experienced shortages of electronic hardware, fruits and flowers. Many nations were unable transport goods by air with countries such as Kenya destroying several tonnes of flowers (Zadeh & Zaliapin 2014, p.12). Farm workers in Kenya were laid off temporarily following the disruption of vegetables and flowers markets. The vegetable and flower industry in Zambia and other industries such as Uganda’s flower and fish export business incurred a lot of losses due to lack of air freight. The New Zealand fisheries and the Asian automobile industry also halted their business operations an aspect that affect the local and global economy. As a result, the eruption affected several economic sectors both locally and internationally. Social The 2010 eruption affected cultural and social activities in Europe and around the world. Entertainment and sporting events were disrupted to due cancellation, disruption and delay teams or individuals. Actors, comedians and musicians were unable make their planned appearances in several destinations. The incidence also negatively impacted the environment leading to health concerns that instigated evacuation and migration of people (Morain & Budge 2012, p.144). People’s social lives and health were affected. Technological The 2010 volcanic eruption caused great disruptions and economic intricacies. As a result, pressure from various stakeholders including businesses, airlines and customers was intense to aircraft manufacturers who were forced to define specified limits on how much ash is considered acceptable for jet engine to ingest devoid of major damage (Schmidt 2012, p.2). Following the disruption, the Civil Aviation Authority and engine manufacturers revised the set guidelines and increased the safe limit to 4mg per cubic metre of airspace (Aras & Crowther 2011, p.131). New technology is also under testing. The eruption instigated the need for more advanced technology and science to receive information following eruption initiation. High technical equipments were needed to forecast the advance eruptions. Analysis: Effects on Individuals (People and Businesses) The 2010 eruption of eyjafjallajökull in Iceland had major effects on people and businesses, states and international cooperation. The eruption had devastating effects on businesses and people. Several people were affected in that they could not proceed with their normal business given the disruption of air travel. People were left stranded and their flights to various destinations cancelled, disrupted or delayed. Their source of livelihood had been disrupted and these affected their families. The global food supply was also impacted with people experiencing shortages of seafoods, fruits and vegetables. Individual farmers and farm workers were also affected because harvesting of flowers, vegetables and fruits was halted. More so, people living within the proximity of the scene were relocated or displaced to avoid health effects an aspect that affected their social life (Bird & Gisladottir, 2012 p.1265). Both local and international businesses were affected as export and imports were halted. Automobile companies, logistic companies, the airline industry and the agricultural sector were badly affected by the eruption. The effects on people and businesses demonstrates how frailty of the interrelated world and the need for international relations. The economic costs of the volcanic eruption were immense; the airlines lost billions of dollars and were pressuring officials to allow recommencement of some flights. The industrial production was affected while tourists and people were stranded and hundred of persons were evacuated following the eruption. Effects on States The 2010 eruption in Iceland did not affect Europe only, but other nations across the world. States that exported products to Europe and those that imported products from Europe had their economy affected. The entire world economy was negatively affected. The eruption caused the disruption of the global system of air mobility. The encounter between the ash particles and running jet engines would cause the aircrafts to lose power. The ash cloud produced by the eruption contaminated the European airspace because it was transported by winds leading to closure of several airports. The eruption is a clear reminder that people inhabit the earth and people activities are earthly endeavours. The achievements of states rest on entanglements and associations. States are bundled together and they rely on each other to grow socially, politically and economically. Different states has to come up strategies and technology to minimise the effects of the eruption as well as address the problem besides putting up measures to prevent further and future eruptions. Effects on International Cooperation The 2010 eruption drew attention to how an eruption in one nation could affect other countries. Like many other nations, the UK and Iceland actively responded to the HFA guidelines in their planning. The UK government department dealing with civil protection, the Civil Contingencies Secretariat of the cabinet office introduced volcanic risks into the National Risk Register (Aras & Crowther 2011, p.131). The institutionalism theory contends that cooperation within international institutions prompts dramatic efficiency gains. The theory builds on the actuality that global problems surpasses the control of individual countries and cannot be regulated in the absence of institutional structures that develop standards for state action and assess compliance. The eruption enhanced international cooperation. International cooperation enhances security, economy, identity of nations and effectiveness in addressing global problems. Apparently, international cooperation is far more effective for the parties involved. However, effective cooperation calls for binding rules. The international cooperation during and affect the eruption included states, global organisations, nongovernmental organisations and individuals that demonstrated constructivism in solving global issues. This demonstrates how nations and states cannot succeed on their own but need support from other nations. Conclusion International relations entail the study of international systems consisting of territorial nations that recognize lack of superior power over matters considered to be of crucial interest. IR deals with temperament of the shifting relations amid states and with non-state actors. There are several IR theories that include realism that entails power struggles among states, institutionalism that entail self-interested cooperation among states and constructivism that that stress on shared norms. The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull presents a case where IR is paramount. The eruption affected politicians, economy, technology and social activities. However, the incidence enhanced international cooperation that saw the problem and its adverse effects dealt with within the shortest time possible. The incident demonstrated balanced of power amid nations, use of shared norms and experiences and shared interests to solve global problems of such magnitude. The incidence reminded the international community of the need to better comprehend dangers linked to volcanic activity and how such incidences poses great danger on social life, economy, the environment and politics. The incidence also enlightened individuals and states that the world is interconnected and requires feasible international relations and cooperation. References Aras, G & Crowther, 2011, Governance and social responsibility: International perspectives, UK, Palgrave Macmillan. Baik, T 2012, Emerging regional human rights systems in Asia, UK, Cambridge University Press. Baylis, J, Smith, S & Owens, P 2013, The globalization of world politics: An introduction to international relations, UK, OUP. Bird, D & Gisladottir, G 2012, ‘ Residents’ attitudes and behaviour before and after the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruptions—a case study from southern Iceland’, Bulletin of Volcanology, vol.74, no.6, pp.1263-1279. Brooks, S & Wohlforth, W 2008, World out of balance: International relations and the challenge of American primacy, USA, Princeton University Press. Donovan, A & Oppenheimer, C 2012, ; Governing the lithosphere: Insights from Eyjafjallajökull concerning the role of scientist in supporting decision-making on active volcanoes’, Journal of Geophysical Research, vol.117, no.3, p.1 Donovan, A & Opprenheimer, C 2011, ‘ The, 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruptions and the reconstruction geography’, Geographical Journal, vol.177, no.1, pp.4-11. Hall, D 2014, Romantic naturalist, early environmentalists: An ecocritical study, 1789-1912, UK, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Hall, I 2011, ‘ The triumph of anti-liberalism? Reconciling radicalism to realism in international relations theory, Political Studies Review, vol.9, pp.42-52 Hobson, J 2000, The state and international relations, UK, Cambridge University Press. Hopf, T 2010, Understandings of Russian foreign policy, USA, Penn State Press. Johnston, A 2008, Social states: China in international institutions, 1980-2000, USA, Princeton University Press. Ku, C 2013, International law, international relations and global governance, UK, Routledge. Morain, S & Budge, A 2012, Environmental tracking for public health surveillance, UK, CRC Press. Schmidt, A 2013, Modelling tropospheric volcanic aerosol: From aerosol microphysical processes to earth systems impacts, USA, Springer Science & Business Media. Yigit, N 2015, Arab spring in Berlin and Paris: German and French foreign policy between continuity and change, UK, Anchor Academic Publishing. Zadeh, A & Zaliapin, I 2014, Extreme natural hazards, disaster risks and societal implications, UK, Cambridge University Press. Read More