International relations: PPE perspective ( 10 Round-table introductory theses)

1. International relations: PPE perspective (10 Round-tableintroductory theses) О. Ananyin Witten PPE Conference “Transformation: Knowledge, Power, Wealth” April 2017

2. Thesis 1: Is IR inter-state relations only? • International relations are often conceived as inter-state relations. It might be reasonable or not, depending on circumstances and purposes of inquiry • In any case, however, such an abstract view neglects important dimensions of real-world relationships. This kind of abstractions is rooted in the disciplinary structure of social sciences and requires an interdisciplinary approach to overcome respective limitations.

3. IR dimensions • There are at least two important dimensions of international relations that are of special interest from the PPE perspective. • These are: • identity dimension • valuedimension

4. Identity dimension • Identity dimension focuses on the multiplicity of agents involved in relations. • Real states consist of different social, gender, and ethnic groups, territorial entities, generations, etc., all having specific, sometimes contradictory, interests and preferences, better or worse represented in political institutions.

5. Are identities always credible? • Political representation, in its turn, is burdened with principal-agent problem: identity of representatives differs from those represented • Moreover, identities themselves are social constructs. They may be more or less mature, as well as could be subjects of possible manipulation by means of administrative and/or information frames.

6. Value dimension • Value dimension focuses on non-uniqueness of ethical and political criteria upon which potential conflicting interests could be judged and reconciled. A well-known example of conflicting political principles is “state sovereignty versus right to self-determination”. • Most of value conflicts have cultural roots and deal with alternative orderings of individual and collectivist values.

7. Example of Russia – EU relations • Current crisis in Russia-EU relations is quite illustrative of most of above-mentioned dimensions of international relations. • Neither vertex of the conflicting triangle “Russia – Ukraine – EU” can be reduced to a simple whole, and neither can pretend to espouse the true version of events and promote the only right solutions of the conflict.

8. Sources of divergence • Discussions concerning current crisis in Russia – EU relations clearly show that different authors look at the problem from different angles focusing either on inter-state controversies, or human right perspective, or economic implications, etc., taking into account different time horizons and space scopes. Any such version can be easily refuted with reference to alternative perspective indicating some crucial missing factor or argument. On the other hand, attempts to combine recommendations based on alternative approaches lack reliable criteria how to order diverging goals into a coherent system and therefore seem convincing only for those already convinced. • Thus along with opinions supporting official positions of each party, one can observe European experts (and politicians) sharing most of Russian official arguments and Russian experts (and politicians) endorsing ideas quite similar to the official EU position, not to say about sharp controversies of opinions in Ukraine.

9. Discourse dimension • Political discourses are often plagued with hypocrisy. Political declarations tend to conceal, rather than express, true intentions. Thus, an appeal to long-term national interests might disguise short-term electoral consideration. An honourable appeal to human rights might serve a cover to violate sovereignty. Appeal to sovereignty might shield an intention to strengthen one’s bargaining position in trade negotiations, etc. • Moreover, politicians tend to think “strategically”, i.e. not sincere. They have to choose among available options, even if none fits their true goals. That is why a preferred ally is not necessarily a good one, and agreed conditions of an international treaty do not necessarily satisfy all parties. Compromises are pervasive in politics, but much less in political declarations.

10. Preconditions: pros & contras To mend Russia – EU relations one should face above listed complexities. Declarations should not be taken literally; alleged “villains” should not be demonized; minorities should not be disregarded, while vested interests should be tamed; no solution is possible without concessions to each party involved in conflict. These are simple principles, but there is no simple way to implement them. Probably, something like Helsinki Act of 1975 is needed to get through current difficulties. The ground does exist: in fact, all parties are interested in mending relations.