This book analyzes international affairs in the post-Cold War era by taking a special look at identity, norms and interests and the limits of liberal normative universalism. The book assesses the causes of the deterioration of Russian – Western relations, the management of the liberal international order, the challenges liberal democracies face today, the rise of China and its consequences on global governance, and the war in Ukraine as an outcome of the dynamics described throughout the book. China and Russia represent different normative frameworks, have their own national interests, have increased their relative strength and influence and represent alternative economic and diplomatic partners for the Global South. Meanwhile, rising populist sentiment in western liberal democracies reflects important dissatisfaction with establishment policies. This research is particularly important for crafting creative solutions to the dynamic changes of the 21st century and the rise of nonwestern powers with different identities, interests and norms.
Author(s): Suzanne Loftus
Series: New Security Challenges
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 186
City: Cham
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Introduction
A Review of the Literature
The Post-Cold War Context
Universalism and National Identity
Democracy and the U.S.-Led Liberal International Order
Political Pluralism, International Pragmatism, and the Protection of Democracy
Structure of the Book
References
Chapter 2: Management of the Liberal International Order
Introduction
A Brief History of the U.S.-Led Liberal International Order
Problems with Universalism
The Rise of Populism and Resentment of Liberal Policies
The Rising Influence of Non-Western Powers
Analytical Conclusions
References
Chapter 3: Russian-Western Relations: A Trust Never Built
Introduction
Drivers of Change in Russian-Western Relations
Russian Foreign Policy Goals
Russian Asymmetric Tactics
Russian Identity
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4: The Rise of China and the China-Russia Relationship
Introduction
National Identity
An Overview of China’s Domestic Ambitions
Strategic Competition with China
China-Russia Nexus
Analytical Conclusions
References
Chapter 5: The Limits of Liberal Universalism and the Crisis in Ukraine
Introduction
A Brief History of Post-Soviet Ukraine
The Events of 2013–2015 and Their Aftermath
Two Visions for Ukraine
The European Security Architecture
An Alternative Security Architecture
Global Dynamics
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6: Pluralism and Pragmatism in International Relations
Democracy and Geopolitics
A Nationalist Pushback to Liberalism
The Russia-China Challenge
Governance and Culture
Wherefore Liberal Hegemony?
References
Index
