Critical Theories

This chapter explains how critical theories problematize the notion of great power competition because it is a state-centric one, because it grants a disproportionate role to the material aspects of power, and because it is by and large status quo affirming. For critical theorists, the global order is not simply a reflection of the distribution of material capabilities among states. Rather, power operates much more diffusely: it links different types of actors at different levels of governance and across borders. It also includes ideational components (the ability to persuade) alongside material components (the ability to force). The author shows that critical theories demand fundamental change. They do not expect it to emerge from states, and certainly not from the most powerful, because they have an interest in maintaining the status quo. Great power competition as studied by mainstream international relations theories is unlikely to truly change the global order, as it is usually part of the status quo game: international relations as we have come to expect them to work. There is a competition between elites, and it harms those most who are already disadvantaged. Critical theories therefore propose a broader framework for understanding the dynamics of competition among great powers in the international system, beyond a focus on material state power and always with an emancipatory agenda.