S08 E06 - International History and International Relations: The Enduring Quest for Global Order

In this episode of CSS Breakdown: Book by Book, Season 08, Episode 06, we dissect Chapter 6 of 'International History and International Relations.' This chapter explores the fascinating history and evolution of International Organization (IO), focusing on the two main IOs of the last hundred years: the League of Nations (LON) and the United Nations (UN). Listeners will explore the core subject matter of IO, often claimed as a 'cure' for war and an advocate for peace, and trace how humankind has attempted to organize itself to discourage warlike behavior and encourage peaceful endeavor.

The episode delves into the central debate contrasting liberal internationalist thinking with praxis and realism, examining whether attempts at IO are merely statements of desire for powerful liberal democracies to institutionalize their global power, or if they offer a voice to smaller states and non-governmental organizations. We will discuss the historical antecedents of IOs, from the emergence of the Westphalian state system and the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers like Kant, to the impact of the French Revolution and the Concert of Europe.

The main concepts explored include the rise of functionalism through the work of David Mitrany and its evolution into neo-functionalism by Ernst Haas, focusing on the idea that economic and technical cooperation can lead to political integration. We also examine the significant role of disarmament in the LON's goals and its challenges. The episode analyzes the creation and initial promise of the UN, highlighting its differences from the LON, particularly the role of the Security Council. Furthermore, it covers the historical development of human rights within IOs and the contemporary debates surrounding humanitarian intervention, tracing its roots in liberal imperialism and the use of collective security. Discover how the idea of international cooperation has continuously adapted amidst the realities of power dynamics and conflict, and reflect on whether these global bodies truly aim for universal good or primarily serve the interests of the powerful.