International Relations and the concept of “international society”: understanding the relevance of the English School
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22478/ufpb.2318-9452.2017v4n8.33790Abstract
Title: International Relations and the concept of “international society”: understanding the relevance of the English School.
Título: As Relações Internacionais e o conceito de “sociedade internacional”: examinando a importância da Escola Inglesa.
Abstract: The End of the Cold War has cast doubt over the state-centrism of International Relations (IR). However, events in the 21st century, brought back an assertive United States and the sense of a return to extreme Realpolitik. Given these transformations, this paper asks if the so-called English School theory is still relevant to the understandings of international relations. This theory offers an important theoretical toolkit capable of critically reflecting on the complexities intrinsic to the contemporary world. Its strength stems from how the concept of “international society” provides students with a flexible instrument, that emphasises the relevance of the social character of interstate relations. Its features allow IR students to have a more historical and normative approach to the subject. This concept keeps the state at the centre stage, while not completely excluding neither a systemic nor a “human” oriented view.
Key words: English School, international society, International Relations Theory
Resumo: Com o fim da guerra fria, o “estado-centrismo” das Relações Internacionais começou a ser questionado. Contudo, eventos no século 21, trouxeram de volta um Estados Unidos assertivo e um sentimento de retorno à um viés realista. Dada estas transformações, este artigo questiona se a chamada teoria da Escola Inglesa ainda é relevante para compreender as relações internacionais. Esta teoria oferece ferramentas teóricas capazes de refletir criticamente sobre a complexidade do mundo contemporâneo. Seu ponto forte se baseia em como o conceito de “sociedade internacional” permite à estudantes um instrumento flexível, que reforça o caráter social das relações internacionais. Suas características também possibilitam uma abordagem mais histórica e normativa sobre o assunto. Este conceito mantém o Estado como protagonista, sem excluir visões sistêmicas ou mais “humanas”.
Palavras chave: Escola Inglesa, sociedade internacional, Teorias das Relações Internacionais
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