Reflection on International Relations and Personal Journey
Introduction
Quote by W. L. Watkinson: 'It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness'
Relevant for reflecting on International Relations (IR)
Personal connection to the discipline's theory and practice
Personal Reflections on Identity and IR
Author reflects on a career of nearly fifty years in IR
Personal, political, and professional crossings influence understanding
Growing up in apartheid South Africa
Challenges to objectivity in political discourse
Life lessons highlight the impossibility of total objectivity in IR
Historical Context: The Four-Minute Mile
Significance of cultural influences from the British Empire in shaping identity
Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile as a metaphor for achievement
Imperial history celebrates British achievements post-World War II
The British Empire
Dominance by 1700s, encompassing 23% of the world’s population and land
Only 22 of today’s 193 nation-states never colonized by Britain
Enduring impact through the Commonwealth and English as a global lingua franca
Reflection on Bannister’s feat as a representation of Western-centric achievement in measuring progress
The Nature of Sovereignty
Sovereignty as a tool of modernity
Conveys a sense of order over 'premodern' spaces
Relationship between sovereignty and time in conceptualizing modernity
Modernity dictates inclusion/exclusion in the global order
The Human Cost of Sovereignty and Colonialism
Case of the Chagos Islands highlights the traumatic impacts of colonialism
Discourse on marginalized voices and the importance of representation in IR
Voice and presence in policy discussions are often restricted
Feminist perspectives underscore diverse experiences in international discourse
Concepts of Power
Joseph Nye's definitions of soft power (attraction without force) vs. hard power (coercive means)
Smart power: Combining soft and hard power for effective policy
Historical critique of how IR often marginalizes voices from colonized or non-Western nations
The Role of Language in IR
English as a dominant language in IR
Facilitates but also limits understanding due to its cultural and conceptual constraints
Example: Sanskrit term 'dharma' has broader meanings than 'religion'
The metaphorical barriers language creates for understanding complex global themes
Historical Moments of Reconstruction in IR
Significant historical turning points reflect the making and remaking of international relations
South African War: Laid groundwork for British imperial reorganization
Post-World Wars: Transformation of global order and emergence of new power dynamics
Critique of exclusionary practices in remaking the world post-colonial periods
The Challenges of the Post-Cold War Era
Ending of the Cold War marked by a rise in binary thinking in IR
New challenges posed by globalization and neoliberal security dynamics
Examination of how technology reshapes IR practices and understandings
The Rise of Technology
Technology as changing force in global interactions and IR understanding
Emergence of 'autonomous' warfare systems raises ethical questions regarding IR practice
Conclusion: The Role of Critical Thought in IR
Return to Watkinson's idea of lighting candles in the dark
Recognition of IR's paradoxes in discussing peace vs. the realities of violence in social relations
Urgent need to explore the unexplored world of possibilities in IR to foster hope and understanding
Key Questions for Reflection
Does IR have adequate tools to adapt to global changes?
How does IR position itself among other academic fields?
What emerging theories might shape the future of IR?
How does language shape our understanding in IR?
Can IR be decolonized?