GIFT.ed logo
PreviousNext

Defining Fair & Inclusive International Relations

Download Transcript (PDF)

Learning activity

As Dr. Brian Wong has shared, national exceptionalism can pose an obstacle to fair and inclusive international relations because it causes countries to become inward-looking, rather than exhibiting open-mindedness.

To what extent do you see national exceptionalism reflected in your own country? How does this impact the country's foreign policy, international relations, and public discourse? Give examples.

Key Takeaways

In this chapter, Dr Brian Wong shared his definitions of fairness and inclusivity in the context of international relations, emphasising the need for a more inclusive world order that addresses historical and systemic inequities.

  1. Historically, the nature of international relations has been parochial, limited by narratives of national exceptionalism that ultimately hinder true global cooperation by “othering” different groups.

  2. Inclusive international relations entail recognising the differences present across all nations, while also acknowledging and compensating for injustices stemming from historical and contemporary inequities.

  3. Fair international relations entail more than just inclusive participation and necessitate robust institutions that ensure equitable decision-making processes between and within countries, which help give a platform to marginalised voices.

Download Key Takeaways (PDF)
Further Readings
  1. Ducan Ivison (2024)PostcolonialismBritannica
  2. Sheila Nair (2017)Introducing Postcolonialism in International Relations TheoryE-International Relations
  3. Erik Ringmar (2019)India and IndianizationHistory of International Relations
  4. Jorge Heine (2023)The Global South is on the rise – but what exactly is the Global South?The Conversation
  5. Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR) (2023)The return of the 'native': Can liberalism safeguard us against nativism?