International Relations is a field of academic study that strives to analyze and understand relations between multiple actors, whether they be independent countries, international organizations, or other non-state actors. Though it may seem that states were highly independent and adopted isolationist foreign policy in early world history, international relations shows how this was not actually the case. Historically there have been relations between different actors since the rise of early Empires, and there has never been a time in history when a sovereign country could truly isolate themselves from global politics.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe began to splinter and was propelled into the Middle Ages. This time period is often overlooked because it did not generate significant advances in areas that were deemed important: academia, technology, or the arts. However, Medieval Europe did give rise to the feudal system, an encompassing method of organizing society. This system stressed the importance of ties, and everyone regardless of social status was bound together in a web of personal and monetary connections. When asked to identify critical points in global relations, Medieval Europe would probably not be high on most people’s lists. However, the system of commitments and alliances developed between 500 - 1500 CE paved the way for the development of the modern state. The Treaty of Westphalia specifically embraced the sovereignty of different territories, meaning that states could determine their own policies, laws, and religions. A group of core European states were now free gain power and influence which would in turn shape international relations around the world for centuries to come.
I am taking the History of US Foreign Relations this semester in addition to International Politics, and I found it surprising to see that the United States, a country which was perceived as an isolationist nation until the First World War, had in fact been entangled in global affairs since before the Revolutionary War. In this class we have begun to explore exactly how the United States was involved internationally during this perceived time of isolationism and what early international relations looked like during this period. Without support from abroad there is a strong chance America would not have gained independence during the Revolutionary War, and the relationships developed during this time paved the way for expansion westward and abroad. Again, if asked to name critical points in international relations the early decades of United States history wouldn't typically make the cut, however these years were critical in determining how America would develop and the country’s future attitudes towards international intervention.
Before the United States achieved independence it had been governed by Great Britain, one of the core European states that gained influence after the Middle Ages passed. The American Founding Fathers felt that this new sovereign country needed an alternate form of government that would not mimic the governments of Europe, which had clear ties to the feudal system the European continent was ruled by centuries before. The feudal system had lasting impacts on government in the states created from the Treaty of Westphalia and other countries who were influenced by the governments of their established neighbors. This structure of governance created a class system where the elite ruled over common people, often without giving the lower classes representation or a voice. American leaders were not pleased with this arrangement, and split from the British state as a result. Because so many European monarchs abused their power and trampled the rights of their subjects, developing nations looked to America as an example of revolution they could adopt. The feudal system of Medieval Europe paved the way for the creation of the modern state and aided the progression of western democracy as an alternative to all-powerful monarchs.
Overall it is clear to see that the historical foundations of international relations reach farther back than most people would assume, and these aspects of early history paved the way for many of the institutions we have today. There are many points in history that do not get deserved credit for shaping international relations, two of which are the Middle Ages of Europe and the early decades of the United States. After examining these examples there is no doubt that any country has been or ever can be truly removed from global affairs, regardless of what popular opinion might suggest.
This is a really cool topic, I never thought about how the feudal system would help form the states and their IR that followed. How do you feel about the isolationism of China, do you think it follows the same foreign intervention as the US? I understand your argument, but it would be nice to have a quick succinct sentence or two after you built up the historical aspect of your argument, I just got slightly confused on the exact thesis when I read the later paragraphs.
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DeleteI really enjoyed reading your commentary on the history of foreign relations. I found it very interesting that you pointed out the European feudal system as being a significant advancement in terms of society. I had actually mentioned this same concept of the feudal system within Germanic Kingdoms in my discussion about women in politics. Although, I used the system as an example of how women were treated and perceived during that era. I found it very interesting how you pointed out that the feudal system essentially brought about the concept of the modern state, which in turn has shaped the modern concept of international relations. You mention that no country can be removed from foreign affairs, which hints at isolationism. Therefore, how do you feel about Switzerland as being viewed as a neutral, isolationist country?
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DeleteThanks! Personally, I feel that a country can be perfectly neutral without necessarily becoming an isolationist state. I think of isolationism as when a country is removed from the affairs of all other states, as evidenced by the country Bhutan. I researched a bit about the foreign relations of this state and found it has no diplomatic ties with any permanent members of the UN Security Council and only began interacting with other countries and establishing embassies in the early 2000s. I would consider a state such as this one to be an isolationist, though it is hard to find other examples of countries that maintain virtually no relations abroad. However, I see neutrality as when a country acts impartially towards all other states, which does not mean that the neutral country is fully removed from world affairs. Switzerland, the state you bring up, is a great example of my ideas because they are historically known for their absence in the face of conflict yet they maintain diplomatic relations with almost every country in the world. Because of this I would consider Switzerland to be non-isolationist, yet neutral state since they are involved in global affairs without declaring allies and adversaries.
ReplyDeleteI liked how your blogpost encompassed many countries and the roles they played in global politics. Your description of the Feudal System, the Middle Ages, the Revolutionary War to the United States and how they all connected was interesting as a reader. Like you said, most people probably don't think about these stages in history that contributed to the current system we have today. In relation, I agree with your argument that almost every state is involved in global affairs. It is nearly impossible for a country to avoid interaction with neighboring countries or countries around the world. Do you think the United States would be a better state if it was in fact isolationist?
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