What is a non-Western IR theory? - Erik Ringmar

Eric Greenward’s career spans continents, integrating experiences from London, China, and Istanbul into a unique academic perspective. His work delves into international history and the interplay between civilizations, reflecting the convergence of Eastern and Western dynamics. By examining the nuances of non-Western international relations theory, his analysis illuminates the complex cultural intersections shaping global political science.

Non-western IR theory challenges the practice of simply inserting non-western elements into an existing Western framework. It argues that the assumption of a universal state system, rooted in 17th-century European models, is inadequate and imposed through colonial legacies and decolonization processes. A genuine non-western approach requires a fundamental break from the traditional model to create a system that truly reflects diverse historical and regional experiences.

Colonialism forged a co-dependent bond between Britain and India that left both distorted. Indian nationalists, pressured to expel colonial rule, adopted an aggressive, macho stance that strayed from native traditions. Gandhi recognized that true freedom could only emerge from non-violence and self-defined terms rather than reactive, imposed methods. His early warnings were sidelined as violent impulses prevailed, a legacy that still influences modern political dynamics.

European Model Imposition and Its Unintended Consequences Non-Western nations, upon gaining independence, were pressured to adopt a European model of state and nation-building despite lacking long-established institutions. Leaders embarked on this project under unfair and immense challenges, resulting in endless civil wars, coups, and genocides. The forced adoption of a European framework destabilized societies that were unprepared for such rapid transformation.

Self-Destruction through Forced Cultural Transformation States such as Turkey, Israel, and China achieved modern statehood by waging wars against their own traditions, erasing deeply rooted cultural values. Draconian policies led to cultural dictatorships, forced population transfers, and prolonged internal conflicts. This self-inflicted transformation imposed a heavy moral cost, undermining native identities in the pursuit of a Westernized state.

Global Failure of the State and the Rise of New Political Alliances The concept of the state proved fundamentally flawed, as evidenced by failures in both non-Western nations and European countries during the world wars and globalization era. In Europe, fragmented states gave way to supranational organizations that addressed issues more effectively than traditional nation-states. Independent movements like pan-Africanism and pan-Arab sentiment reveal a longing for unity that transcends imposed state boundaries.

A concise 20-minute lecture, repeated to emphasize key points, opened an interactive session inviting further questions via Telegram. A TEDx talk on non-western IR theory is available on YouTube, complemented by a detailed academic article accessible through Academia.edu, with additional insights shared on Twitter. Reflections on the evolving connection between nation-states and democracy spark contemplation of a post-state world.

Rethinking Democracy in Empire Contexts The narrative reveals that democracy struggles in empires because it relies on a unified demos that is blurred in diverse, multi-ethnic settings. Historical examples, such as the Ottoman Empire, illustrate how independent communities maintained self-governance without a full democratic system. The discussion critiques traditional political models by noting how current democratic practices seem increasingly ineffective. It urges the exploration of new governance structures that promote popular participation beyond the conventional state framework.

Embracing Indigenous Standards Over Western Models The discourse highlights the challenge non-Western societies face when measured against Western standards. It demonstrates that striving to emulate institutions like Harvard undermines indigenous strengths and enforces a dependency rooted in colonial legacies. It points out that creating unique, culturally relevant institutions, such as those emerging in Turkey, may offer a more authentic path to excellence. The account critiques cultural imperialism and calls for a return to local traditions to establish independent standards of success.

Chinese Realism Shaped by National Survival Chinese approaches to international relations are molded by a stringent realist perspective that stresses state security amidst an unpredictable global arena. The school of thought is tightly interwoven with Communist Party ideology, prioritizing national strength over independent theorizing. Views of a perpetually hostile environment reinforce a defensive posture among Chinese students and scholars. This inherent realism positions China as a formidable global actor compared to smaller nations.

Pre-Modern Frameworks Inspiring Plural Identities Historical international relations models reveal diverse systems that operated outside the European state-centric paradigm. Pre-modern arrangements in regions such as China, India, Africa, and the Ottoman realm offered alternative solutions that embraced multiple identities within flexible borders. These legacy models suggest that reimagining territorial boundaries could facilitate peaceful coexistence and resolve enduring ethnic conflicts. Shifts in contemporary Turkey toward an inclusive Ottomanism further illustrate the transformative potential of these traditional approaches.

The Ottoman Empire once exemplified harmonious coexistence among Armenians, Greeks, Jews, and others, fostering peace through inclusive multiculturalism. The disintegration of this 'new Ottomanism' after 2015 led to the resurgence of aggressive Islamic nationalism, marked by tensions with Kurds, conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh, and expansionist actions such as deploying mercenaries to Libya. This shift replaced a legacy of balanced integration with policies that strain historical alliances and provoke regional discord. Universal principles of the Abrahamic faiths now promise robust social cohesion by uniting diverse global communities beyond narrow nationalist identities.