Revisiting State Personhood and World Politics: Identity, Personality and the IR Subject

Bianca Naude presents a holistic theory of states as collectives of people that cannot be reduced to their individual constituents, drawing on Freud's personality theory and more recent literature on narcissism. She demonstrates how the state presents itself to the outside world and how narcissistic defenses help protect it from criticism and self-judgments, making it a valuable resource for researchers and students of International Relations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Bianca Naude's groundbreaking work, "Revisiting State Personhood and World Politics," presents a holistic theory of states as collectives of people that transcend their individual constituents. By delving into current research on the ontological status of the state alongside compelling arguments in favor of the state personhood thesis, Naude sets the stage for an insightful exploration. She begins by examining Freud's personality theory and its evolution in response to newer insights from the field of experimental psychology. While acknowledging the outdated nature of Freud's work, Naude turns to more recent literature on narcissism, focusing on its expansion as a normal aspect of personality development rather than a form of psychopathology. Drawing from Kohut's notion of narcissism as a central component of self-esteem, Naude demonstrates how the state presents itself to the outside world and how it desires to be perceived. Through a case study of the South African state, she illustrates the diverse ways in which the state portrays itself while also considering the role of narcissistic defenses in safeguarding the state's ego from criticism and self-judgments.
"Revisiting State Personhood and World Politics" offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of state personhood and international relations. It empowers readers to understand how states perceive themselves, the triggers of shame, humiliation, guilt, or pride, and their responses to these self-conscious emotions. This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and students of International Relations, providing a comprehensive framework for analyzing state behavior and its implications for global politics. By challenging traditional perspectives and offering fresh insights, Naude's work contributes to the ongoing discourse on statehood and international relations, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between individuals, groups, and nations.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032105949