Session 20- Beware you're not the only actor here.

Through the course we looked at the development of theories in the field of IR. The initial theories were considerably state-centered and considered non-state actors as insignificant in the grander scheme of things. Keohane and Nye in 'Transnational Relations and World Politics' question this attitude by earlier theorists towards non-state actors. The authors discuss the various ways in non-state actors or what they refer to as 'transnationalism', may potentially affect international and domestic politics through means; which they elaborate.

The piece talks about how the prime agents of the state i-e soldiers and diplomats don't operate in isolation, but are influenced by a wide array of factors which extend from geography, nature of domestic politics, and technology to other societal or exogenous variables. Building up on this the piece shows how non-state actors may potentially affect the course of events. The different dynamics that operate amongst societies and governments are also elaborated upon; which is exhibited through the use of flowcharts. The author does not focus a lot on the non-state actors themselves, but rather is more interested in elaborating upon their relationship with states, politics and other societal impacts. The relationships between the government and transnational organizations is also discussed. The potential ways in which a transnational entity may affect international politics is is elaborated with the examples of the US and some transnational organizations like Ford etc. Towards the end the authors may a strong case for transnational study and suggest that this will not only help in seeing a clearer picture, but will also help in bringing about change in the world.

The arguments presented by the authors are relevant to the time we are living in nowadays. In our global world we come across different corporations, organizations or even individuals who potentially can affect the international arena quite significantly. An example of this can be the massive mobilization done by ideologically opposed organizations or individuals against a state or even a whole class of people, such as the al-Qaeda or TTP. By assessing the effects by actors other than the state the authors have in allowed for a better understanding on international relations. This in turn can better enable individuals to actualize any positive change or contribution towards the society.