What can literature, music, cinema, theatre or art bring to the study of International Relations - Essay Example

What can literature, music, cinema, theatre or art bring to the study of International Relations al affiliation What can literature, music, cinema, theatre or art bring to the study of International Relations 1.0. Introduction The field of International Relations (IR) is a body of knowledge that deals with political activities that are intertwined among various key state players. According to the research conducted by Polat (2012), through International Relations, individuals are able to comprehend the kind of relations that exist between various states. In this case, International Relations refers to the study of the interactions between the members of the field of International Relations, which are the nation states. International Relations can also be defined as the study that scrutinizes the relationships between countries and the responses displayed by these countries as a result of the interactions between the states. It would appear that no country can subsist on its own. In this case, it is imperative to appreciate the power relations between the nations in the International Relations. International Relations, according to Mandaville (2003), is a body of knowledge that highlights the factors that inspire the connection between the countries in the world. In simple terms, International Relations refers to an understanding of the interactions that are present between different countries in the International arena. This includes reviewing the flow of information from one country to another, the manner of responses by each party, and the outcomes that spring from the entire relations process. These implications vary from political, social and economic implications. On the other hand, Brown (2001) indicates that International Relations is an art of the study of the aspects that relate to the survival of humankind in the International arena. Through International Relations, the states will either thrive or deteriorate, since it is through these forums that policies are made, that relate to the survival of states in International Relations. Issues that relate to power, war, dealing with hunger, amongst other issues is only possible through the International arena policies. It is also through International Relations that nations have managed to come up with instruments, and ideologies that prevent the occurrence of conflicts among the states in the International arena. Since the state has the mandate to control their own affairs, and the events that run it, it is evident that through International Relations, nations are able to come up together and make decisions that relate to its borders and the upcoming events. From the above description, it is justified to argue that the International Relations is a field that cannot function without interdependence of the key players. This essay shall aim at giving the contribution of literature, music, cinema or art bring to the study of international relations. Particularly, the essay shall focus on the impact of paintings and music on IR. 2.0. Body All states have their way of living that can be illustrated in the form of art. Art, in this case may range from music, cinema, to theatre. Culture cannot be alienated from the communal functions. From culture, it is possible to comprehend the functionality of the social order. Through culture, the structure of the states, their beliefs, as well as the problems that are existent in these countries is understandable. Diversity of this culture can only be understood through forms of literature, music, and cinemas; thus, it is vital to have a keen follow up of the kind of art that exist in a country. The contribution of literature, music, cinema, theatre or art revolves around the work of a particular artist. Artists communicate messages that revolve around various emotions of varying individuals. An individual is made up of the activities that go on within their society. Through interpretation of pieces of art, one can easily describe the background of the artist and what goes on in their environments. Through works of art, other states can easily have an understanding of what goes on in other countries in their region. They are also better placed to understand the reasons behind the policies set by the government; thus, devise measures of coexisting in the society. 2.1. Impacts of paintings on IR In International Relations, interpretation of aspects in art displays a lot of realism. It is possible that through paintings, nature can be reproduced and understood by the concerned parties. In the context of IR, the traditional values of the countries involved in the International field are understood. Paintings by realists bring out the emotions and beliefs held by various cultures in the countries. In this case, the common understanding of aspects is well understood through display of paintings. It can also be indicated that through paintings, persons visualizing them have experienced thoughts of the painter. In relation to International Relations, the concerned states will indeed have an opportunity to understand other countries’ culture and nature. Paintings are pieces of art that are either presented in images of humans, objects amongst others that communicate various emotions and meanings to the audiences. In relation to the field of International Relations and paintings, other states are able to develop expressions regarding a particular country (George, Burke & Devetak, 2011). Visual arts play an important role in determining the kind of perceptions that individuals hold towards a particular issue. Of essence, a story can simply be told through looking at a picture. Even without the use of verbal language, it is possible to have a glimpse of what the artist aimed at portraying, and in what context. In the views of Hagen & Hagen (2002), individuals are able to have a clear understanding of life. In relation to International Relations paintings as part of art stimulate the players in the International arena to imagine and provide an exceptional vision for the states towards coming up with a understanding of the needs and practices of the countries’ way of life. As discussed earlier, it is evident that International Relations in the study of the relations between the key players in the field is not possible without coming to an understanding of what is relevant and what is not relevant in the International arena. This leads to an elucidation of the fact that all the states that come together in devising policies that regard the field must have all the information regarding the member countries. It is possible to gain a great percentage of this information through studying various paintings that concern the state under question. These paintings can also enable the member states of IR to trace the history of a country to its present; thus, come up with an understanding of what is applicable in their case and what is not. For instance, the pieces of paintings by Rene Magritte stimulate the individual’s way of describing the kind of life by the individuals (George, Burke & Devetak, 2011). The works by Rene need no explanations to what they mean, but the message is obvious without interpretations. If these pictures would be put in the perspective of International Relations field, it is possible to have an overview of the real picture of what goes on in the specific countries with no interpretations. A good example is the pictures by the famous painter, Magritte whose paintings provided an aura of reality in International dealings (George, Burke & Devetak, 2011). His paintings were more of sensational portraying feelings and emotions. In relation to International Relations and paintings, the concerned parties are able to have an understanding of objects, populace and things that are existent in the country. Questions on the existence of the concerned countries are questioned by analysis of the paintings portrayed. For instance if the pictures are related to war scenes, it would be easier for the parties involved to come up with a solution regarding the case in point. Other issues that would be going on in the nations, for instance corruption, democracy amongst others, would be uncovered through the use of paintings, as the painters are motivated through what goes on around them. The entire case is different in the current systems of ruling, since the painters have to adhere to the realism rules that govern paintings to reduce the situations in which the painters rely on their own judgments to portray images. In simple terms, it is arguably to indicate that paintings have managed to focus on analysis of a specific country, as compared to general view. Paintings have brought out a clear picture of analyzing the states as a unit that requires analysis as compared to an entire system. It is therefore, easy to scrutinize states analytically, through pieces of art. 2.1.1. Magritte’s, The Human Condition I and IR Magritte’s painting on human condition is a good example of picture well thought of and the realities that face human life. Just like Magritte argues that human existence is merely a condition surrounded by numerous uncertainties, the same case applies to the relations among countries. For instance, through his paintings, especially on human condition, one is motivated to think beyond the messages being sent by the painter. In the same case that Duckett (2004) indicates that painters should not just paint, the same applies to human existence. A closer scrutiny of human life through the window shows that there is much more to human existence than the usual life. An application to International Relations means that the leaders of the various departments must see to it that they uncover the predicaments facing the member countries. Audiences must ensure that they uncover the messages being sent by the painters. Magritte’s painting means that there is a lot in humanity. This can interpret the issues of poverty, insecurity, amongst other predicaments facing the countries. This can help the countries collaborate and come up with solutions to these predicaments. 2.2. Impacts of music on IR In the work compiled by Chay (1990) music plays a major role in International Relations. He indicates that through music a lot of leaders are able to brag about the kind of position they hold and how much their worth is through music. The aspect of power cannot be assumed in a discussion of International Relations. A close scrutiny of the International events in the international arena, music has been used by dignitaries of various countries to show their prowess and the positions that should be accorded to them. In International Relations meetings, it can be argued that through music a lot of leaders show their political ambitions and what kind of respect they deserve (Franklin, 2005). This can be evidenced in the argument of Chay (1990) who argues that since time immemorial, leaders, the like of Saul, David have always used music to show their brevity and long achieved success. The host countries, for instance are given an opportunity to showcase their might. In an instance where other countries are not comfortable with the kind of lifestyle by these countries, it remains evident that they have no option, but to shift gear elsewhere. The desire to keep on with the relations with specific country is left for them to determine, in the course of interactions between both parties. Through music, it is possible for the citizens’ morale to be scrutinized as well as their loyalty to the country’s systems (Chay, 1990). The aspect of nationalism and patriotism is an asset in the context of discussion on International Relations. Notable revolutions, according to Chay (1990) like the Italian Revolution have great correlations to music, through maintaining the loyalty of the citizens in the continuity of the struggle. Music boosted the drive of the citizens; thus, continuity of the revolution. Additionally, just as Franklin (2005) indicates, the members of the state attain a sense of belonging to their country. These genres of music are spiced up by symbols of national unity such as the flag, accords of the state amongst others. Since International Relations is much more concerned with national identity and belonging, music has boosted this aspect of IR. During the IR meetings each country is able to pass on the message to other countries as well as what their prospects are in the near future. In the compilation by Chay (1990), music has since the ancient times been described as a tool for socialization by Plato. The field of International Relations cannot be functional without interactions. The states are, therefore, able to implement ideologies set by the member states through musical expression and change. Music, in this case, can be indicated to have the power of change in human beings by instituting a form of culture that is adhered by all. Chay (1990) indicates that after World War II, music has been credited for its ability to shun the traditional systems and rules that destabilized global peace and security. With globalization of music, the key players in International Relations have managed to inculcate change around the world, an important facet in International Relations. As indicated earlier in the essay, International Relations is much more concerned with interactions between parties involved. One of the methods of ensuring that there is peaceful correlation is through devising methods of peaceful conflict resolution. Music has enabled successful attainance of this feature by mobilizing the member states to advocate for peaceful existence with the concerned parties especially after the dreadful World War II. Chay (1990) argues that music has attained the label of international community for its endless contribution to international communication. 2.2.1. Michael Jackson’s ‘We Are The World’ and IR In IR, the Michael Jackson’s song, ‘We Are The World’ is of great significance in this field. This song undoubtedly calls for all persons in the globe to operate as a group. International Relations is clearly about working mutually and creating tranquility that allows for development and growth among the concerned states. A case in point where this song can be used as a theme in the International Relations conferences; this clearly mobilizes human beings into being compassionate about other people’s opinions and feelings. In this case, the countries are likely to instill peace and love among the players in the field. Calling upon people to start giving a section of what they own and have is a clear indication of the fact that all countries will feel involved, and there is a great likelihood that these countries will do the same to the concerned countries. It is evident that the continuity of this song’s chorus will create an aura of goodness and responsibility among the concerned parties; thus, create a situation whereby the concerned countries will be reminded of their need to continually contribute to the good of the society. 3.0. Conclusion Conclusively, International Relations relies on the cultural and social aspects of various countries for successful coexistence (Windsor, 2004). This encompasses aspects portraying the members states in other ways like paintings and music that brings out another different view of the concerned countries. From the essay, one would conclude that pieces of art have played a key role in making the policies of the field successful. Communication in these countries has been made possible; thus, international understanding. Through a discussion of the paintings and music as aspects of culture, it can easily be indicated that these are simpler form of communication as opposed to common language. For instance, music not only creates a form of understanding between the different countries, but also allows them have a form of entertainment whilst in their proceedings. In essence, we can easily describe art as a method of lighter forms of communication that slowly adapts the concerned parties into an understanding of the cultures under scrutiny. The essay has also endeavoured to discuss the concept of IR especially the emphasis that no country can subsist on its own. It is, therefore, the role of all the key players to ensure that they take part in mobilizing the key players in the International proceedings so as to allow for smooth operations among the countries. References Brown, C., 2001. Understanding International Relations. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Chay, J., 1990. Culture and International Relations. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group. Duckett, C., 2004. Magritte, Rene, The Human Condition I, 1934.Available at: http://www.thedrawers.net/magritte.html Franklin, M., 2005. Resounding International Relations: On Music, Culture and Politics. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. George, J., Burke, A., & Devetak, R., 2011. An Introduction to International Relations. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Hagen, R., & Hagen, R., 2002. What Great Paintings Say, Volume 1. London: Taschen. Mandaville, P., 2003. Meaning and International Relations. London: Routledge. Michael Jackson, 2011. We are the world, (Demo version) special -YouTube Available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpjrtjHK5NQ [Accessed 20 Sep 2011]. Polat, N., 2012. International Relations, Meaning and Mimesis. New York: Taylor &Francis. Windsor, P., 2004. Studies in International Relations: Essays by Philip Windsor. London: Sussex Academic Press. Read More