Kinship in International Relations

This book explores the role of kinship in international politics and relations, tracing its everyday uses to explore its relevance in different political and cultural contexts. It suggests that kinship can expand or limit actors' political room for maneuver on the international political arena, making some actions and practices appear possible and likely, while others appear less so. It also presents itself as a ready-made classificatory system for understanding how entities within a hierarchy are organized in relation to one another.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

While kinship holds a fundamental place in the organization of human life, its significance in international politics and relations has received surprisingly limited attention within the field of International Relations (IR). This volume aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of kinship in IR, encompassing its role as an organizing principle, a driver of political and social processes, and a practical and analytical category that shapes politics and interactions on the international political stage.

Contributors to this volume trace the everyday usage of kinship terminology to examine the relevance of kinship in diverse political and cultural contexts. They also examine interactions occurring at the state level, as well as above and within it. The book suggests that kinship can either expand or constrain actors' political space on the international political arena, influencing the viability and likelihood of certain actions and practices. As an analytical category, kinship offers a valuable tool for categorizing and understanding relations between actors in the international arena. It presents itself as a pre-existing classificatory system that facilitates the understanding of how entities within a hierarchy are organized in relation to one another, while simultaneously acknowledging the inherent social and natural aspects of this organization.

The significance of kinship in IR extends beyond its role as an organizing principle. It influences the formation of political identities. Kinship can shape political ideologies, ideologies, and social norms, influencing how individuals and groups perceive and engage with the world around them. For example, familial ties and relationships can influence political preferences, shaping support for particular political parties or policies. Kinship can also shape political behavior, as individuals may prioritize the interests of their kin over those of their broader community or nation.

Furthermore, kinship plays a crucial role in international relations, particularly in the context of conflict and peacebuilding. Kinship networks can provide a source of support and solidarity during times of crisis, helping to mitigate the effects of conflict and promote reconciliation. Kinship can also be used as a tool for peacebuilding, as it can facilitate the formation of trust and cooperation between different groups and individuals. For example, kinship-based peace initiatives have been successful in resolving conflicts in regions such as the Balkans and the Middle East.

In conclusion, kinship holds a profound and multifaceted role in international politics and relations. While its significance has received limited attention in IR scholarship, this volume aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of kinship as an organizing principle, a driver of political and social processes, and a practical and analytical category that shapes politics and interactions on the international political arena. By examining the everyday uses of kinship terminology, contributors to this volume shed light on the relevance of kinship in diverse political and cultural contexts, while also examining its implications for international politics and relations. The book.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032339016