Mark Arcillas
Contemporary Global Politics
OP-ED 1: Express View: Breaking the ice with China
International relations are commonly about the study of interaction between
nations or states, encompassing diplomacy, economic ties, conflict resolution, and
cooperation on global issues. It examines how states navigate their relationships,
balancing national interests with international cooperation that revolves around
international policies that ensures order in the international community. The recent
development between India and China illustrates key aspects of international relations,
particularly diplomacy and conflict resolution.
The op-ed entitled Express View: Breaking the ice with China talks about India
and China relations that are tarnished with their skirmish for borders and territory,
however their decision to resume direct flights after nearly five years highlights the role
of diplomacy in mending strained relations. This move follows a series of negotiations
aimed at de-escalation tensions that arose from a deadly border dispute in 2020. Such
diplomatic efforts are central to international relations, where states engage in dialogue
to resolve conflicts and restore stability. The resumption of flights symbolizes a shift
towards cooperation, demonstrating that international relations mean diplomacy and
inter-state trust.
Another critical definition of international relations is conflict resolution. The op-ed
describes how military and diplomatic negotiations led to a meeting between the leaders
of both states, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jin Ping
(Mashal M, 2025). The engagement of both leaders made possible by multiple rounds
of discussions, reflects in the importance of diplomatic channels in resolving
international disputes. This highly aligns with the international relations theories and
definition that emphasizes negotiation and peace building efforts to prevent conflicts
from escalating further.
Furthermore, international relation may be defined the channels and agreements
on access and pilgrimage facilitation and the role of cultural and people-to-people
exchange in the international relations. Such measures contribute to the power of
diplomacy where states seek to improve relations through non-military means.
In conclusion, international relations encompass a broad spectrum of interactions
between states, including diplomacy, conflict resolution and cultural and people to
people engagement. The evolving relationship between India and China demonstrates
how nations employ the definition of international relations to navigate the complexity of
geopolitics, ultimately striving for stability, cooperation, national interest within a
competitive international community.
OP-ED 2: “Opinion: Trump promised to end the Ukraine war, but neither side is
ready”
The op-ed entitled “Opinion: Trump promised to end the Ukraine war, but neither
side is ready” offers an illustration of the challenges inherent in the international
relations, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. It underscores that
international relations may also be defined as the achievement of peace, the role of
power dynamics in the international stage and the interplay between national interest
and global stability.
At its core, international relations may be defined as understanding how states
navigate their relationships with one another, often in the face of competing priorities
and interests. The Op-ed highlights this through the example of Ukraine-Russia conflict,
where geopolitical ambitions, territorial integrity and human suffering collide. President
trumps initial promise to resolve the conflict in 24 hours reflects a common
misconception that while international relations may be defined as establishing good
relations, international disputes can be easily resolved through sheer will and
negotiations for they are shaped by competing factors such as the hard ground truths
that involves the military capability, resource allocation and the willingness of the
population to endure suffering.
The author also emphasizes about the importance of strategy and endurance
which may be understood as a defining feature of international relations. The war in
Ukraine is described as a grinding conflict where both sides are paying a heavy human
and economic cost. This reflects the broader principle and may be define that
international relations often involve a calculus of power, where nations weigh the cost
and benefit of their actions towards international stage, for the fight between two nations
is existential that seeks to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity. For Russia,
the conflict Is a test of its geopolitical ambitions and its ability to sustain prolonged
military engagement. The involvement of external factors such as U.S and NATO,
further complicates what does international relations really mean, as alliance and
factions in the international stage are key factors in relations between states and the
interest of these external factors in maintaining order, advancing interests and deterring
aggression that balances with the risk of further escalations.
Ultimately, the Op-ed illustrates that international relations may not be generally
defined as about resolving conflicts, but also managing them in a way that minimizes
harm and promotes stability. The Idea of a balanced peace that neither ignore nor
provoke either side reflects the delicate interactions required in such matters. It also
highlights the role of international institutions and alliances which are key factors in
international relations in providing security and fostering cooperation. In this sense, the
international relations are as much about building framework for peace as it is about
addressing immediate causes of conflict.
In conclusion, the op-ed provides a compelling definition of the complexities of
international relations. It shows that achieving peace requires more than just political
will; it demands a deep understanding of the underlying dynamics of power, strategy,
and human resilience. As the war in Ukraine demonstrates, the path to peace is often
long and arduous, but it is a journey that remains central to the study and practice of
international relations.