As to understanding contemporary international relations, all three of the presented frameworks matter to a certain degree and respectively to certain groups of people. In the end it is to say that “how each of us sees international relations depends on his or her own theoretical lens” (Mingst 2004, p. 80). It should however be noted that, and as Murden concludes, “it is difficult to look at the world and not see culture” (2008, p. 420). In particular since the Cold War is over, the soft power of culture constitutes a very important factor in shaping mindsets, hence specific policies regarding the Other in the broader sense, and thus international relations. Last but not least, it is vital – also for a more equal treatment (especially when it comes to many parts of the non-Western world), to recognize that cultures are not static and fixed entities.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- If not civilizational paradigm, then what?
- Culturalist Explanatory Framework – the popular view
- The Critical Approach - questioning cultural representations
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to examine alternative frameworks for understanding international relations, moving beyond the "civilizational paradigm" proposed by Huntington. The essay analyzes three key approaches: the culturalist approach, the critical approach, and the rationalist approach. The essay critically evaluates the usefulness of each framework for explaining contemporary international relations.
- The limitations of the culturalist approach, particularly in relation to Huntington's civilizational paradigm.
- The role of culture in shaping international relations, including its construction and contestation.
- The significance of cultural representations in influencing political agendas and shaping identities.
- The critique of essentialist views of culture and the importance of understanding culture as a dynamic and contested process.
- The impact of globalization and post-positivist thought on the study of international relations.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The essay begins by outlining the "civilizational paradigm" proposed by Huntington, highlighting its emphasis on cultural clashes, particularly between the West and Islam. The author then introduces the culturalist approach, within which Huntington's paradigm can be situated. The culturalist approach, often prevalent in popular discourse but less so in academia, views international relations as a product of cultural interactions and differences. This framework is criticized for its essentialist view of culture, its tendency to stereotype, and its neglect of other factors influencing international relations.
- The essay moves on to discuss the critical approach, which challenges the essentialist view of culture and emphasizes the dynamic and contested nature of cultural identities. The critical approach, rooted in post-positivist thought, recognizes the influence of cultural representations on political agendas and how identities are constructed through these representations. The essay explores the relevance of post-colonialist thought in this context.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay explores key concepts related to international relations and culture, including civilizational paradigm, culturalist approach, critical approach, cultural representations, post-colonialism, globalization, and the construction of identity. The essay critically examines the role of culture in shaping international relations, focusing on both its static and dynamic dimensions.
- Quote paper
- Natalie Züfle (Author), 2009, If not civilizational paradigm, then what? , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/180086
