Non-material Factors in International Relations

Abstract

While material factors were previously conceived as a core subject in the study of international relations, in modern times, non-material factors increasingly prevail in practice and have more influence on international relations, which requires further research. The paper reviews non-material factors in the history of international relations; indicates the rise of non-material factors of modern times through eight manifestations in international relations; analyzes five basic reasons for their emergence; and identifies some factors and their ability to affect international relations. On that basis, the paper draws some comments on the study of non-material factors in international relations.