Social Forces, States and World Orders: Beyond International Relations Theory by Robert Cox

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In his article, Robert Cox (1981) discusses the factors the shape the main peculiarities of international relations. Much attention should be paid to his assumption according to which the world order is shaped by social forces and institutions within countries.

In this particular context, the term world order can be depicted as a set of rules and principles that govern the interactions between the main actors of international politics (Cox 1981, p. 152). It seems that this argument is important for understanding the main trends in the global politics. These ideas should be discussed in greater detail.

Overall, the scholar notes that the distinctions between the state and civic societies may not be relevant if one speaks about the foreign policy of a country. Traditionally, political scientists regard international relations as the expression of state interests and priorities such as the need to minimize or eliminate external threats (Cox 1981, p. 126).

Nevertheless, the author believes that this separation of civic society and the state is not permissible. The writer provides various examples that can illustrate his argument; in particular, he discusses the system of international relations that emerged in the nineteenth century. It is now known as Pax Britannica. To some degree, it was the expression of values which were advocated by the middle class (Cox 1981, p. 141).

Apart from that, much attention should be paid to the increasing of role of manufacturing capitalism in the nineteenth century (Cox 1981, p. 141). The author offers a model according to which social forces, forms of state, and existing world order are closely intertwined (Cox, 1981, p. 138).

One should keep in mind that the author introduces the idea of transnational social forces that manifest themselves in various regions of the world. To some degree, this premise can be accepted because social groups in different countries may have similar interests; moreover, they can set the norms governing international relations.

It should be noted that this approach can be useful for understanding the way in which social forces and institutions affect international relations. Nevertheless, this approach may not be suitable for explaining the conflicting nature of international politics. For instance, the government can enter into alliances with countries in which different classes or institutions can play the dominant role.

Additionally, one should not overlook the role of conflicts within the civic society. These are some of the factors that Robert Cox does not consider. Moreover, his interpretation minimizes the role that separate policy-maker can play.

The decisions of these people can be affected by such factors as prejudice, ambition, or lack of relevant knowledge. Nevertheless, their actions can profoundly affect international relations. This is one of the issues that should be taken into account.

On the whole, Robert Coxs article can give readers useful tools for understanding the development of international relations. The author lays stress on the necessity to analyze the internal factors within the state, because they are often reflected in the foreign policies of a country. In particular, social forces can shape the norms and institutions that govern the interactions between states.

In the authors view, both civic society and state form international policies. However, the scholar does not examine the possibility of conflicts within a civic society. Moreover, his model cannot account for individual decisions taken by policy-makers. These are the main aspects that can be singled out.

Reference

Cox, R 1981, Social Forces, States and World Orders: Beyond International Relations Theory, Millennium  Journal of International Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 126-155.

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