The Closure of the International System: How Institutions Create Political Equalities and Hierarchies

International institutions are both motors of expansion and democratization,but the Closure of the International System argues that they also create a stratified system of political equals and unequals. This tension is relevant today as multilateral institutions face challenges from disaffected citizens,non-Western powers,and established great powers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 295 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

As global governance continues to evolve towards greater inclusivity and democracy, scholars contend that international institutions play a pivotal role in driving expansion and democratization. However, The Closure of the International System presents a different perspective, suggesting that the history of the international system is marked by a series of institutional closures. These closures involve the creation of rules and regulations by institutions such as diplomacy, international law, and international organizations to legitimize the inclusion of certain actors while excluding others. While international institutions facilitate collective action and the provision of common goods, Viola's closure thesis highlights the mechanisms through which these gains are achieved. It demonstrates that these institutions limit access to rights and resources, creating a stratified system of political equals and unequals.

The coexistence of equality and hierarchy is a fundamental characteristic of the international system and its institutions. This tension remains relevant in the contemporary context, as multilateral institutions face challenges from disaffected citizens, non-Western powers, and established great powers who are dissatisfied with the distribution of political rights and authority.

The closure of the international system has significant implications for global governance. It suggests that the pursuit of inclusivity and democracy may be hindered by the establishment of exclusive institutions that prioritize the interests of a particular group of actors. Moreover, the closure thesis raises questions about the distribution of power and the role of international institutions in promoting equity and justice.

To address these challenges, there is a need for a reimagining of global governance. This can involve the expansion of democratic institutions, the promotion of greater inclusivity, and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure that the voices of all actors are heard and valued. It is also important to address the power imbalances that exist within the international system and to promote greater cooperation and collaboration among nations.

In conclusion, the closure of the international system challenges the conventional view that international institutions are drivers of expansion and democratization. It highlights the mechanisms through which these institutions limit access to rights and resources, creating a stratified system of political equals and unequals. The coexistence of equality and hierarchy is a constitutive feature of the international system, and this tension remains relevant in the contemporary context. To address these challenges, there is a need for a reimagining of global governance that promotes greater inclusivity, democracy, and equity.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108711760