BLOG #1: Power, Perspectives and Morrissey

Honestly, going into my first IR class I had little in terms of expectations and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. However, after hearing Dr. Crawford brief history on the field of IR I have mixed feelings about its current state. Although It probably would have been much easier to look at the world through a state vs state lens like was previously the case. It also does seem quite limiting when considering to the number of other actors who can influence the global sphere. On the other hand, the current field of IR as expressed, appears to be quite discombobulated (I’ve never used that word before) with no real consensus. Personally I don’t think the realist approach is that ridiculous as it seems to be a more macro approach. The newer perspectives of IR are much broader without much in terms of firm direction. It’s almost as though the field could be split into two different fields similar to micro and macro economics. Obviously this wouldn’t really work because everyone would start to want their own field and the credibility that IR and political science hold would become even more diminished.

That being said, if this is a field which is ambiguous and made up of numerous different ideologies, riding the fence isn’t going to get me anywhere. The realist perspective (which is quite pretentious name for a school of thought) does do some things which I like. Namely, it tries to cut to the core details of international relations. The whole idea that powerful states are all that matters makes sense at first, because realistically, what affect do NGO’s, IO’s and all the other proposed influencers have when push comes to shove. More than likely, the people with the big guns are going to be making the real decisions. In saying that, what buys guns? Money. I believe realism is a little outdated because avenues have become available for MNC’s and other groups to acquire enormous amounts of money, weapons and power. To be honest, I believe much of national and international politics is much more behind close doors and oligarchical than we’d care to believe so who knows what truly matters. All I know, is I’m excited to learn more new perspectives on the field and am open to having my mind changed.

On another note, based off Dr. Crawford’s recommendation which was seconded by my dad, I started listening to The Smiths and Morrissey. I actually quite like some of his new stuff, particularly “Spent the Day in Bed” but am yet to find someone who seconds this opinion. The Smiths on the other hand seem to be loved by all.