The international society is experiencing an epoch-making process of transformation. The global resurgence of religion is not unrelated to these structural changes.
The concept of ‘civilization’ differentiates, evaluates, includes, and excludes. In doing so, the civilization discourse creates global hierarchies.
Buzan’s seminal work on the English School offers a stimulating introduction for all students and scholars of IR and highlights the need for further research
If the object of persuasion is not singular and universal, but rather a plurality of sovereigns, then effecting international change becomes a more complex and political.
The globalization of the English School is currently taking place as non-Western theories develop. It will be interesting to see how this evolves and whether it leads to a post-Western world society.
Robert Murray’s edited collection ‘System, Society and the World’ illustrates the value of a pluralist approach under the umbrella of English School research.
The regional agenda of the English School has so far neglected the polysemy of institutions within international society, which in turn relies on a distinction between norms and rules.
Hedley Bull once described what he called “the revolt against the West”. When looking at the contemporary international society, it seems that Bull’s narrative still has relevance today.
It would be disingenuous to prescribe an IR theory with Chinese characteristics. At most, it is possible to say what a cross-cultural theoretical encounter might require.
The idea of civilization may have lost its importance, but understanding different civilizing processes is critical for promoting respect and trust between the diverse peoples of today’s international society.
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