Why Is There No Pacifist International Theory? Actually, There is.

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

This paper examines an overlooked site of intersection between pacifism, theology, and International Relations (IR) theory. Frequently discussed as a key theoretical approach to IR, the ‘English School’ investigates the normative dynamics, practices, and intersubjective structuration of order co-constituting International Society, i.e. societies of states. Traditionally employing Martin Wight's ‘Three Traditions of International Theory’ (Realism, Rationalism, and Revolutionism), the International Society approach has overlooked a coherent pattern of pacifist international thought, known as ‘Inverted Revolutionism.’ its potential to illuminate contemporary political phenomena, this has been overshadowed by a prejudice that all transformative Revolutionism is inherently violent. This paper rearticulates Inverted Revolutionism through an interpretive fusion with Judith Butler’s feminist-oriented nonviolent political thought, critically recentring nonviolence within international theory. Ultimately, this article (a) revitalises pacifism as central to international theory, broadening conceptual and analytical tools, and (b) contributes to debates on nonviolence, bringing international theory and practice into the fold.
Original languageEnglish
Pages1-27
Number of pages27
Publication statusUnpublished - Apr 2025
EventJournal of Pacifism and Nonviolence Workshop, 2025 - Online
Duration: 23 Apr 202525 Apr 2025
https://brill.com/fileasset/downloads_products/37800_jpn_workshop_2025.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOorRROJPqkW6vpHkrEQhzg2AI1QtoHDilFP97v_WkygBOlu4sIvE

Workshop

WorkshopJournal of Pacifism and Nonviolence Workshop, 2025
Abbreviated titleJPN25
Period23/04/2525/04/25
Internet address

Keywords

  • Pacifism
  • Nonviolence
  • Inverted Revolutionism
  • International Society
  • Martin Wight
  • Judith Butler
  • Revolutionism
  • English School
  • IR Theory
  • Political Theory

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