While material factors were previously conceived as a core subject in the study of international relations (IRs), in modern times, non-material factors increasingly prevail in practice and have more influence on international relations, which requires further esearch. 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. (Received 25 August 2021
published 15 November 2021)