Idea of Civilization and the Making of the Global Order

The concept of civilization is frequently discussed in international politics, but the book "On the Process of Civilization" by Norbert Eliass has not received enough attention in academic writings on International Relations. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of Eliass's insights on civilization, highlighting the importance of his process-sociological approach to understanding the global order and the European civilizing process. It demonstrates how state-formation, colonialism, and the emergence of an international society shaped Europe's development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 340 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2020
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The concept of civilization is a recurring theme in discussions of international politics. However, in the realm of International Relations academic discourse, there has been a notable lack of recognition of a significant 20th-century analysis that delved into the processes by which Europeans established their perception of themselves as uniquely civilized. This analysis, authored by Norbert Eliass, titled "On the Process of Civilization," offers a profound exploration of the relevance of Eliass's insights for International Relations.

In this book, we delve into the core principles of an Eliasian, or process-sociological, approach to civilization and the global order. We examine how the interconnectedness of state formation, colonialism, and the emergence of an international society played a pivotal role in shaping the European civilizing process. By exploring these interrelationships, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that have shaped the world we inhabit today.

Eliass's perspective on civilization is rooted in his belief that human societies are not predetermined or static entities but rather undergo a continuous process of development and transformation. He argues that civilizations are not merely the result of historical accidents or the influence of external forces but are shaped by the internal dynamics of societies themselves. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the processes through which societies evolve and interact with each other, as well as the role of individuals and institutions in shaping these processes.

One of the key insights of Eliass's analysis is the notion of "civilizing circles." He suggests that civilizations are not isolated or self-contained entities but are interconnected and interdependent with other societies. Civilizing circles are defined by their shared values, beliefs, and institutions, which serve as the basis for their interactions and exchanges with other societies. These circles can be either horizontal, such as between neighboring societies, or vertical, such as between societies of different hierarchical levels.

Eliass's analysis also highlights the role of colonialism in shaping the civilizing process. He argues that colonialism not only facilitated the spread of European culture and technology but also created a complex web of interdependencies between colonized and colonizing societies. The colonized societies were often subjected to cultural assimilation, economic exploitation, and political domination by the colonizers, which had profound effects on their social, economic, and political structures.

In addition to the analysis of colonialism, Eliass's work also explores the emergence of an international society as a result of the increasing interconnectedness of human societies. He argues that the rise of international institutions, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, has played a crucial role in promoting cooperation, peace, and stability among nations. However, he also notes that the emergence of an international society has not been without its challenges, such as the tensions between globalization and national sovereignty, the rise of authoritarianism, and the ongoing struggle for social and economic justice.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the significance of Eliass's reflections on civilization for International Relations. It sheds light on the processes by which civilizations are formed, the interdependencies between societies, and the challenges and opportunities that arise in the global order. By engaging with Eliass's analysis, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our world and the role that International Relations can play in promoting peace, stability, and social progress.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529213911