The essay discusses the emergence of new right wing movements in the context of international relations as evolved after the end of Cold War. The author attempts to link IR, history and political science theories to explain the phenomenon of Brexit, the last US elections and development in the Middle East.
As a professionally trained historian I am inclined to permit some time to pass before writing about contemporary events. A historian is better able to analyze what has actually happened and in what direction the world is moving with a more reasoned perspective than that available immediately following an event.
In 2016, the election of Donald Trump as the US president generated a plethora of analytical articles explaining the outcome. The overwhelming majority of mainstream media was not only surprised by his unexpected victory in the presidential campaign, but was equally appalled that populist rhetoric pregnant with ethnic and religious bias, accompanied with bald sexist comments, found such support in a country which for the last hundred years purported to lead the democratic world and exhibit exceptional moral superiority.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- What US election 2016 was about
- Darwin was right
- Liberalism at peril?
- Democracy and the market: a flawed relationship
- International (dis)order
- From Emmanuelle to Fifty Shades of Grey
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text aims to provide a centrist perspective on the international political disorder observed in recent years, using the 2016 US election as a case study. It analyzes the underlying causes of populist movements and the rise of extremism, drawing on insights from various disciplines, including history, biology, psychology, and international relations.
- The causes and consequences of the 2016 US election outcome.
- The role of human nature and evolutionary principles in shaping political events.
- The limitations of liberal democracy in addressing societal discontent and economic inequality.
- The impact of globalization and its perceived negative effects on certain segments of the population.
- The relevance of realism in international relations as opposed to liberal interventionism.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
What US election 2016 was about: This chapter analyzes the 2016 US presidential election, arguing that the outcome stemmed from a deep-seated desire for radical change among various segments of the population. It highlights the resentment felt by white Americans who perceived a loss of power and privilege, coupled with the frustrations of minorities seeking greater equality and protection. The chapter explores the role of misinformation and the influence of populist rhetoric in shaping voter preferences, particularly within deeply religious and conservative communities. It also discusses the limitations of the Democratic and Republican parties in addressing the concerns of a significant portion of the electorate. The chapter argues the election was not merely a change of administration, but a rejection of the established elite and a protest against the "hypernormalization" of societal dysfunction.
Darwin was right: This chapter explores the role of human nature and evolutionary principles in understanding contemporary political events. It posits that inherent human instincts, such as competition for resources and dominance, continue to play a significant role, even in seemingly peaceful and prosperous societies. The Stanford Prison Experiment is cited as evidence of how power can corrupt even good people, highlighting the enduring nature of aggression. The chapter examines contrasting viewpoints, including Steven Pinker's argument that human behavior has improved over time, and considers the possibility of humanity entering a cycle of self-inflicted destruction following a period of relative peace and prosperity. It critiques the post-Cold War era's reliance on liberal interventionism and the subsequent rise of extremism in the Middle East and beyond, emphasizing that the spread of liberal values was not as swift and ubiquitous as initially projected. The chapter underscores the limitations of liberal values and the appeal of alternative models, such as that of China, in developing nations.
Liberalism at peril?: This chapter examines the challenges facing liberal democracy in the face of rising populism and nationalism. It acknowledges the success of Western-style democracies in terms of economic and social development but highlights the growing anxieties about the future of this model. The chapter analyzes the criticisms of liberalism, including its perceived failure to address economic inequality and the concerns of those left behind by globalization. It also touches upon the perceived betrayal of traditional values and the rise of alternative political ideologies that offer an alternative to globalisation and its perceived shortcomings.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
2016 US election, populism, nationalism, globalization, human nature, liberalism, realism, international relations, power, evolution, social Darwinism, extremism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Centrist Perspective on Recent International Political Disorder
What is the main focus of this text?
This text offers a centrist perspective on the international political disorder seen in recent years, using the 2016 US election as a primary case study. It analyzes the underlying causes of populist movements and the rise of extremism, drawing on insights from history, biology, psychology, and international relations.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the causes and consequences of the 2016 US election; the role of human nature and evolutionary principles in shaping political events; the limitations of liberal democracy in addressing societal issues; the impact of globalization; and the relevance of realism versus liberal interventionism in international relations.
What does the text say about the 2016 US election?
The text argues that the 2016 US election outcome stemmed from a deep-seated desire for radical change among various segments of the population. It highlights resentment among white Americans feeling a loss of power and privilege, alongside frustrations among minorities seeking greater equality. The role of misinformation and populist rhetoric are examined, as are the limitations of the Democratic and Republican parties in addressing the concerns of many voters. The election is presented not just as a change of administration, but a rejection of the established elite and a protest against societal dysfunction.
How does the text incorporate Darwinian principles?
The text explores the role of human nature and evolutionary principles in understanding contemporary political events. It suggests that inherent human instincts, like competition and dominance, continue to influence even seemingly peaceful societies. The Stanford Prison Experiment is referenced to illustrate the corrupting influence of power. The text also examines contrasting viewpoints, such as Steven Pinker's argument about improving human behavior, and considers the possibility of humanity entering a self-destructive cycle. It critiques the post-Cold War reliance on liberal interventionism and its consequences.
What are the challenges to Liberal Democracy discussed?
The text examines the challenges facing liberal democracy amidst rising populism and nationalism. While acknowledging the successes of Western democracies, it highlights growing anxieties about their future. It analyzes criticisms of liberalism, including its perceived failure to address economic inequality and the concerns of those negatively impacted by globalization. The perceived betrayal of traditional values and the rise of alternative political ideologies are also discussed.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes summaries of chapters focusing on the 2016 US election, the role of Darwinian principles in political events, the challenges facing liberalism, and the relationship between democracy and the market. It also briefly touches upon international disorder and the evolution of popular culture as seen in the comparison of Emmanuelle and Fifty Shades of Grey.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: 2016 US election, populism, nationalism, globalization, human nature, liberalism, realism, international relations, power, evolution, social Darwinism, and extremism.
- Quote paper
- Farid Shafiyev (Author), 2020, Jigsaw Puzzle. Centrist View on International Political (Dis)Order, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/514369
