Chapter 4 (FOUNDATIONS OF INTL. RELATIONS)

Chapter 4 (FOUNDATIONS OF INTL. RELATIONS)

Introduction to Global International Relations

• Growing interest in International Relations (IR) outside the West, particularly in countries like China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Indonesia.

• Current IR education primarily reflects Western history (Europe and USA) and its impact on global systems.

• Emphasizes the need for a non-Western perspective to broaden the understanding of global state behavior.

Limitations of Western Dominance in IR

• Origin of IR discipline in the UK, followed by its expansion in the USA post-World War II.

• Foundational theories of IR are predominantly Western, viewed as the 'correct' context by which to understand world affairs.

• Challenges faced by scholars in the Global South:

  • Competing for academic resources and recognition.

  • Limited access to major dialogues (often in English).

  • Hesitance to critique Western-developed theories and adapt indigenous concepts.

Case Study: India-Pakistan Relations

• Common frameworks (conflict, competition for power) often neglect shared historical and cultural contexts prior to partition in 1947.

• Need for a nuanced understanding that incorporates cultural commonalities to possibly encourage cooperation or understand tensions.

The Bretton Woods Institutions

• Created during the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, leading to the establishment of the IMF and World Bank.

• Initial agreements favored Western interests, remaining skewed despite the rise of emerging economies like China and India.

• Continued dominance of Western nations in these institutions aligns with their political and economic power, affecting voting shares and influence on policy.

Contribution of Non-Western Civilisations to IR

• Historical precedence of international systems predating 1648, including:

  • Sumerian Civilisation: Collective hegemony in city-states.

  • Chinese Tributary System: Hierarchical international relations, emphasizing mutual benefits despite inequalities.

  • Islamic Civilisation: Globalisation of knowledge, preserved ancient texts, fostered cross-cultural exchanges.

Examples of Historical Interaction Systems

• Amarna System: Diplomacy between ancient states characterized by negotiation and familial symbolism.

• The concept of Freedom of the Seas originated from ancient maritime interactions in India and Southeast Asia.

Broadened Scope of International Relations

• Modern IR must include diverse historical narratives and frameworks from both the Global South and North.

• Non-Western contributions include:

  • Recognition and affirmation of shared histories and cultural influences.

  • Emphasis on diverse forms of governance and diplomatic interactions.

Key Insights on Globalisation and Agency

• Globalisation is not merely economic but also social/political, with shared vulnerabilities (e.g., climate change, pandemics).

• Agency emerges from Southern actions challenging Western paradigms, such as:

  • Adoption of human rights norms by Latin American countries.

  • Development of alternative measures of progress like Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index.

Towards a Global Understanding of IR

• A global approach recognizes the complexities of interdependence and diverse governance structures among states.

• Moving past cultural exceptionalism acknowledges that Southern concepts can enrich and inform global practices in IR.

Future of Global Governance

• The rise of a Multiplex World Order where various actors (states, NGOs, etc.) are engaged in global governance.

• Movement beyond a unipolar or multipolar approach that incorporates Southern perspectives and promotes inclusivity in dialogue and action.

Conclusion

• A diverse and inclusive approach to International Relations can reshape the understanding of global systems.

• Recognizing the contributions of the Global South and incorporating their historical and cultural narratives is crucial for evolving contemporary global governance.

End of Chapter Questions

1. How do ancient civilisations improve our understanding of modern IR?

2. Are regional concepts applicable to other parts of the world? Discuss.

3. What constitutes a Global approach in IR?

4. How does a multiplex world order differ from a multipolar world order?

5. What contributions has the Global South made to global governance?