Anarchy in international relations
Encyclopedia
Anarchy in International Relations is a concept in International Relations theory
holding that the world system is leaderless: there is no universal sovereign or worldwide government
. There is thus no hierarchically superior, coercive power
that can resolve disputes, enforce law, or order the system like there is in domestic politics. In International Relations, anarchy is widely accepted as the starting point for International Relations theory
While some political scientists use the term "anarchy
" to signify a world in chaos, in disorder, or in conflict, others view it simply as a reflection of the order of the international system: independent states with no central authority above them.
As a term of art, 'anarchy' was coined by Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson
, an English
historian
and activist for pacifism
, in his 1926 work, The International Anarchy, 1904–1914.
The concept of anarchy is the foundation for realist, liberal
, neorealist, and neoliberal
international relations theories
. Constructivist
theory disputes that anarchy is a fundamental condition of the international system; Alexander Wendt
, the most influential modern constructivist thinker, is often quoted for writing, "Anarchy is what states make of it." That is to say, anarchy is not inherent in the international system in the way in which other schools of IR theory envision it, but rather it is a construct of the states in the system.
International relations theory
International relations theory is the study of international relations from a theoretical perspective; it attempts to provide a conceptual framework upon which international relations can be analyzed. Ole Holsti describes international relations theories act as a pair of coloured sunglasses,...
holding that the world system is leaderless: there is no universal sovereign or worldwide government
World government
World government is the notion of a single common political authority for all of humanity. Its modern conception is rooted in European history, particularly in the philosophy of ancient Greece, in the political formation of the Roman Empire, and in the subsequent struggle between secular authority,...
. There is thus no hierarchically superior, coercive power
Power in international relations
Power in international relations is defined in several different ways. Political scientists, historians, and practitioners of international relations have used the following concepts of political power:...
that can resolve disputes, enforce law, or order the system like there is in domestic politics. In International Relations, anarchy is widely accepted as the starting point for International Relations theory
While some political scientists use the term "anarchy
Anarchy
Anarchy , has more than one colloquial definition. In the United States, the term "anarchy" typically is meant to refer to a society which lacks publicly recognized government or violently enforced political authority...
" to signify a world in chaos, in disorder, or in conflict, others view it simply as a reflection of the order of the international system: independent states with no central authority above them.
As a term of art, 'anarchy' was coined by Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson
Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson
Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson , was a British historian and political activist. He led most of his life at Cambridge, where he wrote a dissertation on Neoplatonism before becoming a fellow. He was closely associated with the Bloomsbury Group.A noted pacifist, Dickinson protested against Britain's...
, an English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
historian
Historian
A historian is a person who studies and writes about the past and is regarded as an authority on it. Historians are concerned with the continuous, methodical narrative and research of past events as relating to the human race; as well as the study of all history in time. If the individual is...
and activist for pacifism
Pacifism
Pacifism is the opposition to war and violence. The term "pacifism" was coined by the French peace campaignerÉmile Arnaud and adopted by other peace activists at the tenth Universal Peace Congress inGlasgow in 1901.- Definition :...
, in his 1926 work, The International Anarchy, 1904–1914.
The concept of anarchy is the foundation for realist, liberal
Liberal international relations theory
Unlike realism where the state is seen as a unitary actor, liberalism allows for plurality in state actors. Thus, preferences will vary from state to state, depending on factors such as culture, economic system or government type...
, neorealist, and neoliberal
Neoliberalism in international relations
In the study of international relations, neoliberalism refers to a school of thought which believes that nation-states are, or at least should be, concerned first and foremost with absolute gains rather than relative gains to other nation-states...
international relations theories
International relations theory
International relations theory is the study of international relations from a theoretical perspective; it attempts to provide a conceptual framework upon which international relations can be analyzed. Ole Holsti describes international relations theories act as a pair of coloured sunglasses,...
. Constructivist
Constructivism in international relations
In the discipline of international relations, constructivism is the claim that significant aspects of international relations are historically and socially contingent, rather than inevitable consequences of human nature or other essential characteristics of world politics.-Development:Nicholas Onuf...
theory disputes that anarchy is a fundamental condition of the international system; Alexander Wendt
Alexander Wendt
Alexander Wendt is one of the core social constructivist scholars in the field of international relations. Wendt and scholars such as Nicholas Onuf, Peter J...
, the most influential modern constructivist thinker, is often quoted for writing, "Anarchy is what states make of it." That is to say, anarchy is not inherent in the international system in the way in which other schools of IR theory envision it, but rather it is a construct of the states in the system.
See also
- NegarchyNegarchyNegarchy was a term coined by Daniel Deudney to mean a form of status quo maintained by the inter-relations of the power structure and authority that modern states hold in relation to each other which negate each other due to their respective affluence...
- PanarchyPanarchyPanarchy is a conceptual term first coined by the Belgian botanist and economist Paul Emile de Puydt in 1860, referring to a specific form of governance that would encompass all others. The Oxford English Dictionary lists the noun as "chiefly poetic" with the meaning "a universal realm," citing...
- The English School
External links
- Anarchy from the Internet Encyclopedia of International Relations.