Ontological Security in International Relations

<p>The central assertion of this book is that states pursue social actions to serve self-identity needs even when these actions compromise their physical existence. Three forms of social action sometimes referred to as ‘motives’ of state behaviour (moral humanitarian and honour-driven) are analyzed here through an ontological security approach.</p><p>Brent J. Steele develops an account of social action which interprets these behaviours as fulfilling a nation-state's drive to secure self-identity through time. The anxiety which consumes all social agents motivates them to secure their sense of being and thus he posits that transformational possibilities exist in the ‘Self’ of a nation-state. The volume consequently both challenges and complements realist liberal constructivist and post-structural accounts to international politics.</p><p>Using ontological security to interpret three cases - British neutrality during the American Civil War (1861-1865) Belgium’s decision to fight Germany in 1914 and NATO’s (1999) Kosovo intervention - the book concludes by discussing the importance for self-interrogation in both the study and practice of international relations.</p><p><em>Ontological Security in International Relations</em> will be of particular interest to students and researchers of international politics international ethics international relations and security studies.</p>