21st-Century Statecraft: Reconciling Power, Justice and Meta-Geopolitical Interests

The 21st century requires a new approach to statecraft that focuses on meta-geopolitics, dignity-based governance, and multi-sum and symbiotic realist interstate relations. This requires a new paradigm of global security and a new concept of power, just power, that highlights the centrality of justice to state interests. Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan provides a practical model for conducting statecraft in a sustainable way.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

The 21st century presents a complex and ever-evolving landscape, marked by civilisational frontier risks associated with new challenges like disruptive technologies, the shifting nature of great-power conflicts, and subversion. In response to these challenges, a new approach to statecraft is urgently needed. In his groundbreaking book, "21st-Century Statecraft," Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan presents five innovative statecraft concepts that aim to address these pressing issues.

Firstly, Professor Al-Rodhan advocates for a new method of geopolitical analysis called "meta-geopolitics." He argues that traditional geopolitical thinking, which tends to view the world through a zero-sum lens, is insufficient in the face of the complex and interconnected global landscape. Instead, he proposes a meta-geopolitical approach that recognizes the interdependence and interconnectedness of states and seeks to foster cooperation and collaboration among them.

Secondly, Professor Al-Rodhan promotes the concept of dignity-based governance. He argues that states should prioritize the well-being and dignity of their citizens and that governance should be based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for human rights. This approach aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society and to address the root causes of social and political unrest.

Thirdly, Professor Al-Rodhan demonstrates how traditional thinking must move beyond zero-sum games and focus on multi-sum and symbiotic realist interstate relations. In an interdependent and interconnected world, states cannot achieve their interests solely through competition or conflict. Instead, they must find ways to cooperate and collaborate to address shared challenges and achieve common goals.

Fourthly, Professor Al-Rodhan introduces a new paradigm of global security premised on five dimensions of security: economic security, environmental security, political security, social security, and human security. He argues that these dimensions are interrelated and that a holistic approach to security is necessary to address the complex and interconnected threats facing the world today.

Fifthly, Professor Al-Rodhan introduces the concept of just power, which highlights the centrality of justice to state interests. He argues that states should use their power to promote the well-being and dignity of their citizens and to address the root causes of social and political unrest. Just power is based on principles of equality, respect for human rights, and the promotion of social and economic development.

Throughout his book, Professor Al-Rodhan brings his philosophical and neuroscientific expertise to bear, providing a practical model for conducting statecraft in a sustainable way. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, mindfulness, and cognitive diversity in decision-making and advocates for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to statecraft.

In conclusion, the 21st century requires a new approach to statecraft that recognizes the complex and interconnected nature of the global landscape. Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan's five innovative statecraft concepts provide a valuable framework for addressing these challenges and building a more peaceful and prosperous world. By promoting meta-geopolitics, dignity-based governance, multi-sum and symbiotic realist interstate relations, a new paradigm of global security, and just power, Professor Al-Rodhan offers a practical model for conducting statecraft in a sustainable way. His book is a must-read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in shaping the future of international relations.

Weight: 1070g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780718895747