Chapter 3. International Relations and Public Policy
International relations (IR) studies relations among states and other global actors [4].
Major theories
Realism: states pursue power and security in an anarchic world.
Liberalism: cooperation, trade and institutions can reduce conflict.
Constructivism: ideas, identities and norms shape behaviour [4].
Actors and organizations: states, the United Nations (UN), regional bodies (ASEAN, the African Union, the European Union, SAARC), international financial institutions (IMF, World Bank), non-governmental organizations and multinational companies.
Non-alignment and small states. Sri Lanka has long followed a foreign policy of non-alignment and engagement with many partners, balancing relations with neighbouring and major powers [6].
Global issues: security and conflict, terrorism, human rights, climate change, migration, trade, pandemics and cyber security [4].
Human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) sets common standards; later treaties protect civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Public policy. Public policy is what governments decide to do or not to do. The policy cycle involves agenda setting, formulation, decision, implementation and evaluation. Policy is shaped by political parties, interest groups, experts, the media and public opinion [1].
Good governance: participation, rule of law, transparency, accountability, responsiveness and effectiveness.
Review: Name the three main IR theories. (Answer: realism, liberalism and constructivism.)