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Anarchy and identity

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  • Mercer, Jonathan

Abstract

Is there escape from a self-help system? Realists say no. They assume states are egoistic actors in anarchy; this means states must either look out for themselves or risk destruction: structure generates a self-help system. Constructivists think escape is possible. Because identities are made, not given, we should not make a priori assumptions of state egoism: process generates self-help. Process could also generate an other-help security system. This article introduces a third approach that uses social identity theory to argue that interstate relations are inherently competitive. Thus, for cognitive and motivated—rather than structural or social—reasons, competition, which can be coercive or cooperative, characterizes international politics.

Suggested Citation

  • Mercer, Jonathan, 1995. "Anarchy and identity," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 49(2), pages 229-252, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:intorg:v:49:y:1995:i:02:p:229-252_02
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    Cited by:

    1. Lopez, Anthony C. & Johnson, Dominic D.P., 2020. "The determinants of war in international relations," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 983-997.
    2. Sambanis, Nicholas & Skaperdas, Stergios & Wohlforth, William C., 2015. "Nation-Building through War," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 109(2), pages 279-296, May.
    3. Florent Frasson-Quenoz y otros., 2020. "Pensar, debatir y aportar a las Relaciones Internacionales," Books, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Facultad de Finanzas, Gobierno y Relaciones Internacionales, number 143, August.
    4. Luis Alfonso Dau & Elizabeth M Moore & William Newburry, 2020. "The grass is always greener: The impact of home and host country CSR reputation signaling on cross-country investments," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 3(2), pages 154-182, June.
    5. Cemal Eren Arbatli & Ekim Arbatli, 2016. "External threats and political survival: Can dispute involvement deter coup attempts?," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 33(2), pages 115-152, April.
    6. Ryan Kennedy, 2013. "The role of supranational identity in promoting democratic values," European Union Politics, , vol. 14(2), pages 228-249, June.
    7. Adler, Emanuel & Crawford, Beverly, 2004. "Normative Power: The European Practice of Region Building and the Case of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EMP)," Institute of European Studies, Working Paper Series qt6xx6n5p4, Institute of European Studies, UC Berkeley.
    8. Patrick Müller and Nicole Alecu de Flers, 2009. "Applying the Concept of Europeanization to the Study of Foreign Policy: Dimensions and Mechanisms," Working Papers of the Vienna Institute for European integration research (EIF) 5, Institute for European integration research (EIF).
    9. Nicholas Khoo, 2015. "The ASEAN Security Community: A Misplaced Consensus1," Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, , vol. 2(2), pages 180-199, August.
    10. Ryan Kennedy, 2010. "Supranational identity, democratic attitudes, and political participation: The EU and Moldova," European Union Politics, , vol. 11(4), pages 511-532, December.
    11. Corbetta Renato & Volgy Thomas J. & Rhamey J. Patrick, 2013. "Major Power Status (In)Consistency and Political Relevance in International Relations Studies," Peace Economics, Peace Science, and Public Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 19(3), pages 291-307, December.
    12. Kubinec, Robert & Owen, John, 2018. "When Groups Fall Apart: Identifying Transnational Polarization with Twitter from the Arab Uprisings," SocArXiv wykmj, Center for Open Science.

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