Becoming International

Jens Bartelson's book challenges the assumption that the modern world became an international one through a transition from empires to states, arguing that the international realm is a continuation of imperial relations by other means. He shows how the international system spread through the creative appropriation of European concepts of nation and state by non-Europeans, becoming an empire in its own right.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The modern world has evolved into a globalized entity, marked by interconnectedness and interdependence across nations. This transformation has been a gradual process that has spanned several centuries. In this essay, we will explore the historical roots and factors that have contributed to the emergence of the modern world as an international one.

The concept of international relations has undergone significant changes throughout history. In the past, the world was dominated by empires, where powerful nations ruled over vast territories and populations. However, with the decline of empires in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the stage was set for the emergence of a new global order.

One of the key factors that facilitated the transition from a world dominated by empires to a globalized one was the rise of nationalism. Nationalism emerged as a political movement that emphasized the importance of nation-states and the promotion of national interests. Nationalists believed that nations should be independent and self-determining, and that they should not be subordinate to foreign powers.

The rise of nationalism led to the formation of nation-states, which were sovereign entities with their own governments and territories. These nation-states were able to establish diplomatic relations with each other, and to form international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Another factor that contributed to the emergence of the modern world as an international one was the spread of technology and communication. Advances in transportation and communication technologies such as the telegraph, the telephone, and the internet have made it easier for people to communicate and exchange information across borders. This has facilitated the development of global markets, the flow of goods and services, and the spread of cultural and intellectual ideas.

The Cold War, which lasted from the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, was also a significant factor in the development of the modern world as an international one. The Cold War was a geopolitical conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, which was characterized by rivalry, propaganda, and the threat of nuclear war. The Cold War led to the formation of international organizations such as the UN and the NATO, which were designed to promote peace and security in the world.

In conclusion, the modern world has evolved into a globalized entity due to a combination of historical factors, including the rise of nationalism, the rise of technology and communication, and the Cold War. These factors have facilitated the formation of nation-states, the development of global markets, the flow of goods and services, and the spread of cultural and intellectual ideas. The modern world is characterized by interconnectedness and interdependence, and it is essential for nations to work together to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.

ISBN-13: 9781009400749