Structuralism in International Relations

Structuralism is a broad concept in International Relations which prioritizes the plight of the poor, marginalized, and oppressed people in the world. The Fundamental Unit in structuralism is social class, not the state. it states that the states and international institutions play a role in managing the global capitalist economic order.

The origin of Structuralism is from Karl Marx. He identified “Capitalism” as the broad structure in the world economy. In a capitalist society, people do not own what they produce, because they have no means of production. He gave the “labor theory of value” and the concept of “surplus value”. Marx predicted that capitalism would soon collapse due to its inherent contradictions. The French Revolution is one example of structural change. Marx argued that Colonialism is an extreme form of capitalism. The “Dependency Theory” and “World System Theory” are best to explain the working and nature of the Capitalist economy. All this when we combine makes such structure, in which the poor are bound to be poor. The elite class always took advantage and benefits from this class difference and rule.

The major assumption of Structuralism is:

1. Human nature is not fixed. Man is the product of society.

2. Individuals can be grouped into identifiable collectivities.

3. The nature of International Relations is shaped by the structure of the capitalist world economy or capitalist world-system.

4. Capitalism is characterized by internal contradiction.

5. International politics is shaped by, or even determined by economic factors.

6. The main actors are states, Multinational Corporations, Intergovernmental organizations, Non-governmental organizations, and transnational social class.

7. States reflect the interests of the dominant class, rather than “national Interest”.

The important themes of Structuralism in International Relations are, The State and Power, Institutions and World Order, Inequality and Justice, Identity and Community, Conflict and Violence, and Peace and Security.

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