The Birth, Growth and Evolution of International Relations

International Relations as a discipline was birthed from the after effects of World War 1. The First World War commonly referred to as the Great War was as a result of the central powers which included nations such as Germany, Turkey and Austria among others, going to war with the allies who comprised of multiple nations including France, Britain, Russia, the United States of America and Japan and many others. The cause of war was premised on the apparent assassination of the Archduke of Austria called Franz Ferdinand. The Great War which started in 1914 ended in 1918 with the defeat of the central powers. The effects of the war were far reaching and were felt worldwide by the human race and world governments. The effects included the destabilization of governments, economic disruptions which led to economic depression, human lives were lost as well as massive destruction of property. The First World War presented a huge turning point for world politics, foreign and global affairs (Milner, 2005).

Figure 2: Advancements in medicine facilitated by international relations Retrieved from: (Royde-Smith, 2021)

However, the most surprising aspect of World War 1 is that it actually brought about some positive changes including new and advanced developments in medicine and modern surgery, the inception and development of blood banks and skin grafting Additionally, the Great War changed the way warfare happened. The outbreak of the war brought about massive advancements in the art of war with the use of airplanes, guns, submarines and chemical weapons in war. It is correct to say that International Relations was a discipline born out of unprecedented pain, loss and devastation on a global scale as a result of world wars. The main focal point of International relations was to build a peaceful world and for nations to co-exist.

Figure 1: Representation of International Relations Retrieved from: (Maizland & Xu, 2019)

The discipline borrows heavily from the insights of different classical philosophers. Classical philosophers such as Karl Marx, John Locke and Thomas Hobbes played a critical role in educating us about the world we live in. Their theories, namely Karl Marx’s class conflict theory, John Locke’s theory on natural and legal rights and Thomas Hobbes’ state of nature theory all sought to highlight and give depth to different aspects of International Relations. The different theories presented by Karl Marx, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke all became a foundational springboard for further development of International Relations as a discipline and they remain important because they bring to light different elements and current events of the world around us (Jeffrey et al., 2017). In conclusion, International Relations is a critical aspect of world politics, foreign affairs and diplomacy.

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Emmanuel Addo
Founder
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Emmanuel Addo is the founder of the Young Global Leaders Network, an international non-governmental organization registered in six (6) countries namely, Ghana, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan and has a membership strength of over 15,000 young black professionals, students, graduates, and aspiring leaders.

The organization also operates in 25 other African countries. Emmanuel also doubles as the chief convener and founder of the Young African Leaders Summit, one of the largest continental youth summits in Africa.  

Currently works at Kingston University as a Business Engagement Team Member in their Partnerships and Engagement Department. 

He characterizes energy, integrity, result-oriented, and ground-breaking service in each detail of strategic management, change management, stakeholder management, and leadership acquaintances.
Emmanuel owns a core background in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Ghana.

Leveraging his experience as a youth activist and a dynamic young man, Emmanuel founded the Young Global Leaders Network, a youth organization that comprises young diplomats, young politicians, and aspiring politicians, business/entrepreneurial business leaders with the aim of championing a mutual agenda for the African youth and promoting youth participation in governance as well as promoting entrepreneurial culture.
Emmanuel nurtures an environment of teamwork and has expertise in data collection and analysis as well as both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Emmanuel worked as an Associate Lecturer at the London College of Advanced Management where he delivered a wide range of business management courses that involved principles of marketing, leadership, operation management, and research methods. Emmanuel has always maintained high teaching and learning standards to ensure that his students’ stand out in academic achievements and successful progression. As a stout believer and passionate key player in volunteering; Emmanuel creates quality time to giving back gladly to his community what he has learned and to educate individuals with free consultancy on career development. He is a leader anyone would love to look up to and with great integrity, commitment, and passion to make the world a better place.
Emmanuel worked as Qualifications Manager at the Open University in the UK.

Emmanuel is also the founder of Kickstart Innovation Hub Ltd, the entrepreneurial hub of Young Global Leaders Network.