On Cultural Diversity: International Theory in a World of Difference

The rise of non-Western Great Powers, transnational religiously-justified insurgencies, and ethno-nationalism challenge the effects of cultural diversity on international order. This book presents a new theoretical account of the relationship between cultural diversity and international order, challenging the idea of cultures as coherent, bounded, and constitutive.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The emergence of non-Western Great Powers, the proliferation of transnational religiously-justified insurgencies, and the revival of ethno-nationalism have sparked profound inquiries into the impact of cultural diversity on the international order. However, the current discourse, encompassing scholars, public figures, and policymakers, is hindered by flawed interpretations of culture and misguided assumptions regarding the historical influence of cultural diversity on the formation of international systems. In this groundbreaking work, Christian Reus-Smit meticulously dissects how dominant theories of international relations have consistently misconceived the essence and consequences of culture, perpetually reverting to an outdated notion that has been disregarded in specialized fields: the notion of cultures as coherent, bounded, and constitutive. By drawing upon theoretical insights from anthropology, cultural studies, and sociology, and integrating fresh histories of diverse historical orders, this book offers a novel theoretical framework that sheds light on the intricate relationship between cultural diversity and international order. Its far-reaching implications have the potential to reshape our understanding of contemporary transformations and offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics shaping the global landscape.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108462747