What is English School? Theory of English School in International Relations Explained Shortly!

Summary

In this video, the English School of International Relations (IR) is introduced as an alternative to mainstream American theories. Focusing on moral concerns and historical context, the English School challenges the dichotomies of realism and liberalism by recognizing both power politics and cosmopolitanism. It advocates for a broader view of IR, including states, non-state actors, and international law. The theory posits that cooperation is possible within an anarchic world through a shared international society of states. Three forms of world societies are explored: international society, international system, and world society, with each depicting varying levels of cooperation and anarchy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The English School of International Relations (IR) offers an alternative to mainstream American theories like realism and liberalism.
• 😀 English School theorists focus on value-driven, moral concerns in IR, emphasizing historical context and research.
• 😀 The English School is considered a middle ground between realism and liberalism, challenging their dichotomies.
• 😀 Unlike realism, which focuses on power politics, and liberalism, which emphasizes cosmopolitanism, English School seeks to bridge these perspectives.
• 😀 English School believes that IR should not be limited to interstate relations but should encompass global political systems, including states, non-state actors, and international law.
• 😀 English School theorists argue that it is impossible to fully escape values and subjective ideas in IR research, rejecting pure positivism.
• 😀 English School accepts the existence of anarchy in the world but believes that cooperation is also possible through an international society of states.
• 😀 Anarchy and cooperation can coexist in the international system, facilitated by shared norms, values, and practices among states.
• 😀 States within the international society interact peacefully through diplomacy, international law, and respect for sovereignty, rather than resorting to conflict.
• 😀 There are three forms of world societies in English School theory: International Society (anarchy with cooperation), International System (anarchy without shared rules), and World Society (an ideal world of peace and no conflict).
• 😀 The current world is considered an International Society, where states cooperate despite the existence of anarchy, unlike the chaotic International System or the idealized World Society.

Q & A

What is the English School of International Relations (IR)?

The English School of IR is a theory that offers a middle ground between Realism and Liberalism, focusing on the normative aspects of international relations. It emphasizes values, historical context, and the importance of cooperation under anarchy.

How does the English School challenge mainstream American theories of IR?

The English School challenges mainstream American theories like Realism and Liberalism by rejecting their dichotomies, such as the focus on power politics in Realism and cosmopolitanism in Liberalism. It proposes that both power dynamics and cooperation can coexist.

What are the historical roots of the English School theory?

The intellectual origins of the English School are found in the works of scholars from the London School of Economics. While not all scholars of the English School are English, its theoretical foundations can be traced to British academic traditions.

What is the relationship between the English School and positivism in IR?

The English School critiques the positivist approach in IR by arguing that it is impossible to fully separate values and subjective ideas from research. Therefore, it distances itself from positivism, suggesting that IR cannot be purely objective.

What is meant by 'Anarchy and Cooperation' in the English School?

The English School asserts that Anarchy and Cooperation can coexist in the international system. Although the world is anarchic, states can still cooperate because they share common norms, values, and practices within an international society.

What is the difference between the 'International Society' and the 'International System'?

The 'International Society' is a global community where states share norms, values, and practices, enabling cooperation despite anarchy. In contrast, the 'International System' refers to an anarchic world where states exist but lack shared norms, leading to more conflict and isolation.

How does the English School define the concept of 'World Society'?

The 'World Society' is an idealized concept based on constant peace and no conflict, much like the vision of Immanuel Kant. In this world, states and individuals cooperate without violence, leading to a harmonious global community.

What does the English School say about the role of states in international relations?

According to the English School, states are central to international relations but are not isolated entities. They belong to a broader international society where they interact based on shared norms and values, fostering cooperation through diplomacy and international law.

What are the three forms of world societies according to the English School?

The three forms of world societies are: 1) International Society, where Anarchy coexists with cooperation; 2) International System, where Anarchy prevails without shared rules; and 3) World Society, an idealized world of peace and no conflict.

Why does the English School emphasize the importance of historical context in IR?

The English School values historical context because it believes that international relations cannot be fully understood without considering the historical evolution of norms, practices, and institutions. This allows for a more comprehensive and morally grounded analysis of IR.