From a realist vantage point anarchy is a fundamental
feature of International Relations, a perspective both shared and furthered by
many key theorists. Helen Milner seeks to question the realist discourse in
“The Assumption of Anarchy in International Relations Theory: A Critique”,
while also placing greater emphasis on the alternative theory of
interdependence as key to the interpretation of International Relations.
A key assumption made by anarchists is that anarchy exists
because there is no one entity or authority present to regulate the actions of
states. This stems from the Hobbesian view of the world being locked in a
perpetual state of warfare, due chiefly to each state placing paramount
importance on it’s own self interest and survival. Applying this notion of
anarchy and lawlessness to the modern day provides interesting results because
of the establishment of international regulatory bodies, which did not exist in
Hobbes’ time such as the League of Nations and it’s successor, the United
Nations. While the former was horribly ineffective and could not even prevent
the Second World War, the latter has been more effective albeit only slightly.
Nevertheless the creation of such regulatory bodies is proof
of the interdependence, which Milner stresses upon. While power dynamics are
present in interdependence, they are joined by elements such as cooperation and
harmony between states, concepts that were alien in the anarchy model. Milner
moreover tries to play down the segregation between domestic and international
politics, observing that sovereign states actions are influenced by their
impact on other states. While it is true that powerful states will have a
greater influence on world affairs in both interdependence and anarchic
frameworks, the former is more adaptable to the present globally integrated
economic world order than the latter.
An interesting aspect of interdependence that Milner speaks of, is the asymmetrical nature of the balance of power between states in their relations with one another. Although there may be cooperation and harmony between states, they are not always on equal footing - often one enjoys a position of power over the other and often, interests are not uniform. However, if collaboration decreases the over all costs that are to be incurred. states may compromise on some of their interests in pursuit of others.
ReplyDeleteGood post and comment. I agree that interdependence also exists in the international system alongside a modified version of the concept of anarchy.
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