Multiplicity: A New Common Ground for International Relations?

This book explores the implications of societal multiplicity for areas such as nationalism, ecology, architecture, monetary systems, cosmology, and the history of political ideas. It argues that international relations (IR) has contributed no big ideas to the interdisciplinary conversation of the social sciences and humanities, but this is an unnecessary silence, as IR uniquely addresses the fact that the human world is divided into a multiplicity of interacting social formations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

International relations (IR), often perceived as lacking significant contributions to the interdisciplinary dialogue of the social sciences and humanities, is in fact uniquely positioned to address a fundamental aspect of the human world: the existence of a multiplicity of interconnected social formations. This characteristic holds profound implications for the nature of societies and the diverse range of social phenomena. In recent years, a research program within IR has emerged to explore the consequences of multiplicity and to trace how the international dimension extends into other spheres of social life. This book serves as a compelling testament to the potential contributions that IR can make to the human disciplines.

The chapters in this volume were originally featured as a special issue of Globalizations, a renowned journal dedicated to examining the complex dynamics of global interconnectedness. The contributors to this book are esteemed scholars from various fields, including international relations, sociology, political science, economics, and cultural studies. Their insights and perspectives shed light on the multifaceted implications of societal multiplicity across a wide range of domains.

In the opening chapter, the editors provide a comprehensive overview of the book's themes and objectives. They argue that the concept of multiplicity offers a new common ground for international theory, enabling scholars to explore the complex relationships and interdependencies between different social formations. The chapters that follow delve into the implications of multiplicity in various areas, including nationalism, ecology, architecture, monetary systems, cosmology, and the history of political ideas.

Nationalism, as one of the most enduring and influential social phenomena, is examined from the perspective of multiplicity. The authors explore how national identities are shaped by the diverse social, cultural, and historical experiences of individuals and groups, and how they interact with other nations and their respective identities. They also examine the challenges and opportunities that arise from the multiplicity of national identities in the globalized world, such as the emergence of hybrid identities, the tensions between nationalism and globalization, and the role of nationalism in shaping international relations.

Ecology is another area where the concept of multiplicity is particularly relevant. The authors argue that the Earth's ecosystems are complex and interconnected systems that are shaped by a multitude of factors, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and human activities. They explore how the multiplicity of ecological systems influences the distribution of resources, the resilience of ecosystems, and the sustainability of human societies. The chapters also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from the multiplicity of ecological perspectives, such as the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, the development of sustainable practices, and the promotion of ecological awareness.

Architecture, as a physical manifestation of society, is also deeply influenced by the concept of multiplicity. The authors explore how architectural designs reflect the cultural, social, and historical contexts of their surroundings, and how they interact with other buildings and urban spaces. They also examine the role of architecture in shaping social identities, such as the creation of public spaces that promote social cohesion, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the development of sustainable urban environments.

Monetary systems, as the mechanisms through which societies exchange goods and services, are also shaped by the concept of multiplicity. The authors explore how the multiplicity of monetary systems, including national currencies, international currencies, and digital currencies, influences economic development, trade patterns, and financial stability. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from the multiplicity of monetary systems, such as the emergence of financial crises, the need for financial regulation, and the development of global financial regulations.

Cosmology, as the study of the origin and evolution of the universe, is another area where the concept of multiplicity is essential. The authors argue that the universe is a complex and interconnected system that is shaped by a multitude of factors, including dark matter, dark energy, and the laws of physics. They explore how the multiplicity of cosmological perspectives influences our understanding of the universe, such as the search for extraterrestrial life, the study of the early universe, and the development of theoretical models of the universe. The chapters also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from the multiplicity of cosmological perspectives, such as the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, the development of new technologies, and the promotion of scientific literacy.

The history of political ideas, as the evolution of social and political thought over time, is also deeply influenced by the concept of multiplicity. The authors explore how the multiplicity of political ideologies, including liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and fascism, influences political institutions, social movements, and public policy. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from the multiplicity of political ideas, such as the emergence of political polarization, the need for political compromise, and the development of democratic institutions.

In conclusion, this volume takes up the idea of 'multiplicity as a new common ground for international theory, bringing together 10 scholars to reflect on the implications of societal multiplicity for areas as diverse as nationalism, ecology, architecture, monetary systems, cosmology and the history of political ideas.' The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Globalizations, a renowned journal dedicated to examining the complex dynamics of global interconnectedness. The contributors to this book are esteemed scholars from various fields, including international relations, sociology, political science, economics, and cultural studies. Their insights and perspectives shed light on the multifaceted implications of societal multiplicity across a wide range of domains. The concept of multiplicity offers a new framework for understanding the complex relationships and interdependencies between different social formations, and the chapters in this book provide valuable contributions to the ongoing debate in international relations and other social sciences. By exploring the consequences of multiplicity in various areas, this volume contributes to the development of a more comprehensive understanding of the human world and the challenges and opportunities that we face in the 21st century.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367751647