HPS³ - Ian Hurd - The Problem with World OrderWe welcome Ian Hurd on Thursday, 18 April 2024 to the HPS Seminar Series

18 April 2024, 5:15 pm

The Hamburg Political Science Seminar Series (HPS³) features international speakers presenting cutting-edge research in empirical political science and political economy. The talk is organized by the professorships of Ursula Schroeder and Antje Wiener in collaboration with the Institute for Peace Research and Security Politics at the University of Hamburg (IFSH). 

We welcome on Thursday, 18 April 2024 17:15-18:45 CET in VMP9 A215

 Ian Hurd (Northwestern University)

Title: The Problem with World Order

 ​Abstract:​

Abstract: Classical approaches to international relations often focus on the problem of order, which is defined as a problem of under-supply. From Immanuel Kant to Hedley Bull to Anne-Marie Slaughter, the classical tradition focuses on understanding why there isn’t enough order in world politics and how to make more of it. The first project of international relations, it is said, is to create a foundation of order upon which other projects can be built.

In this tradition, ‘world order’ is understood to be an objective condition that is universally desirable. A closer look at the concept, however, makes it clear that it is politically contested, and every ordering project involves tradeoffs among interests and produces both losers and winners. This is equally true of the American ‘rules-based order’ after 1945 as it is of realist spheres of influence, and of British imperial ordering in the 19th century.

In his public talk Ian Hurd reframes the debate on world order for IR around a concept of order that acknowledges its political content. It considers various definitions of order in International Relations and shows how these deploy distinct relations with historical facts, scientific models, and policy goals. A political understanding of the idea of world order leads IR scholarship away from causal models and objectivist ontology, and as a result makes it easier to understand the long history of contestation around how world order should be made and who gets to make it.

 The HPS³ seminars take place  in person at the UHH. Please find the preliminary program on the HPS³ Website.

No registration is needed and we would be thrilled to see you at the event! Please share news about the event with colleagues, guests, and students as well.