Cosmopolitan Dystopia: International Intervention and the Failure of the West

Cosmopolitan Dystopia argues that cosmopolitan liberals have undermined the liberal international order by treating new humanitarian crises as unprecedented demands for military action, leading to a paternalist understanding of state power and a new authoritarian vision of sovereignty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2020
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Cosmopolitan Dystopia delves into the intricate dynamics that have shaped the liberal international order, revealing that it is cosmopolitan liberals, rather than populists or authoritarian great powers, who have played a significant role in undermining it. Through a comprehensive analysis, the book sheds light on how liberal cosmopolitanism has led us to perceive new humanitarian crises as unprecedented demands for military intervention, perpetuating a cycle of endless war. The doctrine of the "responsibility to protect," aimed at normalizing humanitarian emergencies, has inadvertently resulted in a paternalistic understanding of state power that undermines the representative functions of state sovereignty.

As a consequence, we find ourselves trapped in a cosmopolitan dystopia characterized by perpetual conflict, insurrection by cosmopolitan jihadis, and a new authoritarian vision of sovereignty in which states are accountable to their peoples rather than to them. This book holds immense relevance for scholars and students of international relations, IR theory, and human rights, as it offers a profound exploration of the complex forces that have shaped our global political landscape. By delving into the historical roots, theoretical implications, and practical consequences of cosmopolitan dystopia, the book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the world today.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526105738