Connecting Comparative Politics and International Relations: The Fusion of Domestic Dynamics and Global Arenas

Comparative politics and international relations (IR) are often treated as distinct fields within political science, yet their interdependence is undeniable. Comparative politics examines domestic political systems, cultures, and institutions, while international relations focuses on the interactions among states and non-state actors in the global arena. Together, these disciplines provide a multidimensional understanding of how local and international dynamics shape global politics. Theoretical approaches in both fields offer valuable insights into this complex interplay, making the role of comparative politics in IR an essential area of inquiry.

Central to understanding this relationship is the realist perspective, which traditionally dominates IR. Realism emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system, where states act as rational, unitary actors seeking power and survival. While this framework often overlooks domestic variables, comparative politics challenges this assumption by highlighting the diversity within states. For instance, the regime type—whether democratic, autocratic, or hybrid—profoundly influences foreign policy behavior. Democratic peace theory, a key contribution from comparative politics, posits that democracies are less likely to engage in war with one another due to shared norms and institutional constraints. This theory bridges the gap between domestic political structures and international outcomes, showcasing the utility of comparative politics in enhancing IR theories.

The liberal school of thought further underscores the importance of comparative politics in IR. Unlike realism, liberalism considers the role of domestic actors, such as interest groups, political parties, and civil society, in shaping state behavior. Comparative politics offers tools to analyze these actors and their influence on policy-making processes. For instance, the lobbying power of environmental groups in democratic states has played a pivotal role in shaping international climate agreements. Similarly, trade policy is often a reflection of domestic economic interests, which comparative politics helps to unpack. By integrating these domestic dimensions, liberalism provides a richer understanding of international cooperation and conflict.

Constructivism, another influential IR theory, emphasizes the role of ideas, identities, and norms in shaping international politics. Comparative politics complements this approach by exploring how domestic cultural and ideological factors inform state identities and preferences. For example, the rise of nationalism within a state can influence its foreign policy stance, often leading to increased militarization or protectionism. Comparative studies of nationalist movements reveal patterns that are critical for constructivist analyses of global trends. Moreover, the interaction between local and global norms, such as human rights or environmental sustainability, illustrates the dynamic relationship between domestic ideologies and international norms.

The role of comparative politics in IR is further illuminated through the lens of Marxist and critical theories. These approaches focus on the economic structures and power asymmetries that underpin global politics. Comparative politics provides the tools to dissect the domestic manifestations of these structures, such as class struggles, resource distribution, and economic dependency. For example, the dependency theory, which critiques the exploitative relationships between developed and developing nations, draws heavily on comparative analyses of post-colonial states. This theoretical synergy highlights how domestic political economies influence and are influenced by global capitalist dynamics, offering a holistic perspective on power and inequality.

Globalization has intensified the interconnections between comparative politics and IR. Issues such as migration, climate change, and transnational terrorism transcend national boundaries, requiring an integrated approach that considers both domestic and international factors. Comparative politics offers insights into how states respond to these challenges based on their internal capacities and constraints. For instance, the comparative study of state responses to the COVID-19 pandemic reveals variations in governance, public health systems, and social trust, all of which have global implications. These domestic differences inform international cooperation and competition, demonstrating the inseparability of local and global dynamics in addressing contemporary challenges.

The role of comparative politics in IR extends to the analysis of foreign policy. Foreign policy analysis (FPA) bridges the two disciplines by focusing on the decision-making processes within states. Comparative politics contributes to this field by examining the domestic variables that shape foreign policy, such as political leadership, bureaucratic structures, and public opinion. For instance, the foreign policies of authoritarian regimes often reflect the personal preferences of leaders, while democratic policies are more likely to be influenced by electoral considerations and public discourse. Comparative studies of these patterns enhance our understanding of how domestic factors drive international behavior, enriching IR theories with empirical depth.

Comparative politics also plays a crucial role in understanding regional integration and conflict. Regional organizations, such as the European Union or the African Union, are shaped by the political systems and cultures of their member states. Comparative analyses of these systems reveal the challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation, such as differences in governance styles, economic capacities, and historical legacies. Similarly, the study of domestic factors, such as ethnic tensions or resource competition, sheds light on the causes of regional conflicts. By linking these local dynamics to broader regional and international frameworks, comparative politics offers valuable insights into the complexities of regionalism in global politics.

The integration of comparative politics and IR is particularly evident in the study of political transitions and their international repercussions. The Arab Spring, for example, highlighted the interplay between domestic upheavals and international responses. Comparative politics provided the tools to analyze the causes and consequences of these uprisings, such as authoritarian repression, economic inequality, and youth activism. At the same time, IR theories helped explain the international dimensions, such as foreign interventions, refugee flows, and the role of transnational networks. This case illustrates how the synergy between comparative politics and IR enhances our understanding of global phenomena.

Technological advancements and the rise of digital politics have further blurred the boundaries between comparative politics and IR. The internet and social media have created new arenas for political engagement, influencing both domestic and international politics. Comparative studies of digital activism reveal how local movements leverage global platforms to amplify their voices and coordinate transnational campaigns. At the same time, state responses to cyber threats and disinformation campaigns highlight the intersection of domestic security and international relations. By examining these digital dynamics, comparative politics contributes to the evolving landscape of global politics, demonstrating its relevance in the digital age.

Comparative politics plays a vital role in shaping and enriching the study of international relations. By examining the domestic variables that influence state behavior, it complements IR theories and provides a multidimensional understanding of global politics. Theoretical approaches such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, and Marxism highlight the interdependence of these fields, revealing how local and global dynamics interact to shape the international system. As globalization and technological change continue to reshape the political landscape, the integration of comparative politics and IR will remain essential for addressing the complexities of the modern world. This theoretical synthesis not only deepens our understanding of global politics but also underscores the importance of bridging disciplinary divides to tackle the pressing challenges of our time.