The Society of States under siege? An English School perspective on the emergence of global civil society


Autoria(s): Taylor, Monique
Contribuinte(s)

Sabina W. B. Lautensach

Alex Lautensach

Data(s)

01/01/2005

Resumo

In this article I critically examine the theoretical and empirical relationship between world society, whereby global civil society is taken to be its physical or empirical counterpart, and the society of states. This relationship is typically portrayed as contradictory or confrontational, and I contend that this mainstream perspective is reliant on a superficial analysis of the relationship. If one examines the deeper dynamics, viewed in their contemporary international normative context, then one can identify the more constructive and permissive aspects of the relationship. Rather than being wholly incompatible I argue that world society and international society are mutually constitutive and mutually dependent regimes, whose relationship is more often marked by cooperation than by conflict. English School theory provides the conceptual framework for this analysis. The relationship between international and world society presents a core ontological tension within this theory, and again they tend to occupy polarised positions. A synthesis of four international theories - pluralist international society theory, solidarist international society theory, critical international theory, and the discourse of global civil society - informs the hypothesis that the relationship can be normatively and empirically reconciled. In order to empirically support this explanation I analyse two phenomena in world politics - transnational advocacy networks and humanitarian intervention - where there is an apparent tension between international and world society.

Identificador

http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:75107

Idioma(s)

eng

Publicador

Egan-Reig

Palavras-Chave #Civil society -- International cooperation #Globalization -- Sociological aspects #Humanitarian intervention #International relations -- Political aspects #C1 #360100 Political Science #1606 Political Science
Tipo

Journal Article