International relations
"Symbiotic Realism makes clear that the realist perception of competitive state relations, in which states are primarily concerned with relative gains in a self-help system, does not stand up to scrutiny. Our conception of human nature tells us that perceptions are as important as material capabilities as motivators of state behavior. Moreover, given increased interdependence, states can engage in symbiotic relations, that is, they can take part in a relationship of mutual dependence that allows one state to gain more than another without deleterious effects. This has several implications for realists. First, it means that absolute gains are possible and that the “game” of international relations is not necessarily zero-sum. Second, it implies that even when a state is accruing a disproportionate amount of power (i.e., material capabilities), there is no reason to assume that other states will form alliances in an attempt to balance against it. Third, it implies that a responsible hegemon should accommodate the interests of other states and avoid threatening behavior or, as a number of neo-realist scholars have recently suggested, engage in a type of “offshore balancing.”" (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 14)
"We share with feminists the belief that the interrelationship between the global order and gender relations needs to be made more visible in the study of international relations. We need to know how humanity as a whole is shaped by and helps to shape the dynamics of the global system – and this means taking gender seriously. Feminist perspectives, therefore, provide important insights that should be taken on board if we wish to provide a new starting point for international relations theory. We therefore review the main dimensions of standpoint, liberal, and postmodernist feminism." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 19)
"While realists and liberals have long-recognized the constraints placed on states in their relations with each other, as a result of either human nature or the structure of the international system, the interdependence and instant connectivity associated with globalization requires an approach that is able to capture the changing dynamics of international relations." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 65)
"Because of the substrates of human nature, particularly in a period of instant interconnectivity and intensified human mobility, large collective identities are important actors in international relations." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 78)
"Moreover, limiting the study of international relations to the distribution of material capabilities between states neglects other types of power and motivators of action that constitute identities other than that of the rational, egoistic sovereign state – such as ethnic and gender identities. In our view, the conception of the global system must be widened and, moreover, an idealist dimension must be added to its ontology (i.e., what exists)." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 10)
"This chapter sets out the dimensions of our own approach, which we call Symbiotic Realism. Like many other approaches to the study of international relations, Symbiotic Realism attributes an important role to human nature. Based on the neurobiological predilections of human nature, it contends that morality in global politics is possible only if some form of overarching authority structure is able to prevent, or arbitrate in cases of, conflict as well as to guarantee justice, security, prosperity, and peace." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 65)
"Therefore, in order to construct a more comprehensive approach to international relations, we identify a number of actors that we believe have a significant impact on the dynamics of the global system. These are: (1) the individual; (2) states; (3) large collective identities; (4) international organizations (multilateral institutions and NGOs); (5) transnational corporations; (6) the environment; (7) women; (8) natural resources; and (9) information and communications technology." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 67)
"Specifically, we identify the need to be valued as a central part of human nature, which implies that as human beings we require a sense of belonging and to be defined and to define ourselves positively. This insight brings questions of culture, civilizations, gender, and class to the centre of international relations. Moreover, these questions take on even more significance in an interdependent, globalized world in which instant connectivity can have significant and immediate security implications." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 73)
"Thus, while we share some assumptions about human nature and its consequences with realism and liberalism, our conception of human nature necessitates an approach to international relations that is capable of capturing the way in which subjectivities and identities are constituted, as well as the impact of objective structures. In other words, it necessitates an approach that marries idealism and materialism in a way that goes beyond Wendt’s form of social constructivism and neo-Gramscianism." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 73)
"It puts forward a proposal for a new national security framework which builds on an innovative understanding of international relations and security in the 21st century." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 10)
"Two previous and one forthcoming book by the author develop three innovative concepts on global security, international relations and cultural interactions in the 21st century. The three concepts serve as an alternative to the “security dilemma” and zero-sum approaches to security developed by the realist school of international relations, which are no longer able to sufficiently describe today’s globalising environment. The three concepts, which are briefly outlined in this chapter, are 1) the multi-sum security principle, multidimensionality and multilateralism; 2) symbiotic realism; and 3) transcivilizational synergy. They constitute the three conceptual pillars on which any sustainable national security strategy in the 21st century must rest." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 113)
"Instant connectivity refers to the notion that due to new ICT, such as the Internet and satellite television, information can be exchanged and spread among the most far-flung corners of the world within minutes. This fundamentally changes international relations. In particular, governments are no longer in full control of information that can affect national and international security or diplomatic relationships between states. Instead, they often find themselves in a position where they have to react to information spread by news agencies. Symbiotic realism attempts to account for the relative decline in the power of states as the determining agents of international interactions. The theory sees states as only one part of the multiplicity of actors setting the global agenda today." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 122)
"International relations can therefore no longer be looked at as a zero-sum game, but as a set of interactions where absolute gains are possible, even if not common." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 123)
"International relations in the 21st century thus can no longer be seen as a zero-sum game between states but rather as an interconnected, multidimensional web where gains in one security sphere will affect successes and failures in other security spheres, and the gains of one state can lead to gains in other states." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 126)
"The book SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World suggests that students of international relations today need to consider at least nine different actors and dynamic factors that have an impact on the international system. They are the individual, women, the state, large collective entities, international organisations, transnational corporations, the environment, natural resources, and information and communications technology. Note the addition of the environment and natural resources as independent dynamic factors." (SYMBIOTIC REALISM: A Theory of International Relations in an Instant and an Interdependent World by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 121)
International Relations Discussion
"Elsewhere, I have proposed a new theory of international relations in today’s instant and interdependent world that I termed Symbiotic Realism." ("EMOTIONAL AMORAL EGOISM": A Neurophilosophical Theory of Human Nature and its Universal Security Implications by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 155)
"I explain that my proposed general theory of human nature collapses the nature/nurture and free will/constrained dichotomies that tend to characterise the conceptions of human nature that inform major international relations theories." ("EMOTIONAL AMORAL EGOISM": A Neurophilosophical Theory of Human Nature and its Universal Security Implications by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 17)
"Theories of international relations and public policies need to better reflect the whole gamut of human psychodynamics. Governance structures should also be informed by the more comprehensive, multidisciplinary and cross-civilisational conception of human nature captured by “Emotional Amoral Egoism”. The most vulnerable in society ought to be protected. Ethnic polarisation and the representation of minorities need to be regularly monitored as a means of ensuring human well-being and individual and societal security. A strong constitutional basis for laws ought to exist so that they cannot be altered at the whim of a political “mood”." ("EMOTIONAL AMORAL EGOISM": A Neurophilosophical Theory of Human Nature and its Universal Security Implications by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 206)
"Moreover, we cannot simply assume that people’s moral sentiments may extend to those with whom they have only distant relations, as some liberal international relations thinkers suggest. The survival value of humankind’s moral compass will determine how we act within a particular context." ("EMOTIONAL AMORAL EGOISM": A Neurophilosophical Theory of Human Nature and its Universal Security Implications by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 206)
"Instant interconnectivity refers to the speed of communications and the flow of information, an element that fundamentally changes international relations and the ability of states to control information. Hence, the inclusion of actors other than states. Higher levels of interdependence between states has resulted from a growing number of common interests, leading to the rejection of the assumption that international relations is a zero–sum game. Finally, the theory also takes into account human nature: “like many other approaches to the study of international relations, Symbiotic Realism attributes an important role to human nature.”" (MULTILATERALISM AND TRANSNATIONAL SECURITY: A Synthesis of Win-Win Solutions by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, et al., page 29)
"Not only states, but also international relations and international power relationships, can be evaluated using the seven capacities. In today’s interconnected and technologically sophisticated world, geography alone no longer tells us much about the strengths of particular regions in relation to others. Instead, all seven dimensions of state power identified in this study need to be taken into account to understand power relationships in the 21st century." (NEO-STATECRAFT AND META-GEOPOLITICS: Reconciliation of Power, Interests and Justice in the 21st Century by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 51)
"A spatial analysis of international relations has to consider a number of unevenly distributed resources, or state capacities, to demonstrate the highly complex strategic relationships between states. The seven state capacities that meta-geopolitics deems important for any global strategic analysis are social and health issues, domestic politics, economics, environment, science and human potential, military and security issues and international diplomacy. Threats to international peace and security can emanate from any of the seven areas of state power and are often interrelated and mutually reinforcing." (NEO-STATECRAFT AND META-GEOPOLITICS: Reconciliation of Power, Interests and Justice in the 21st Century by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan, page 345)
Key Paragraphs
Geostrategy, Geopolitics, Human Nature, International Relations, Conflict Theory, International Security, Global Security, National Security, Altruism, Globalization, Global Justice, Political Justice, Political Theory, Moral Philosophy, Social Theory, Neurophilosophy, Philosophy of History, Diplomacy, Existentialism, History of Ideas, Statecraft, Theory of Knowledge, Political Philosophy, Human Civilization, Dignity, Ethics, Moral Philosophy, Innate Knowledge, Philosophical Approach, Multilateralism, Neorealism, Transcultural, National Security