Ontological Security in International Relations Self-Identity and the IR State [Hardcover]

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.

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.

Using ontological security to interpret three cases - British neutrality during the American Civil War (1861-1865), Belgiums decision to fight Germany in 1914, and NATOs (1999) Kosovo intervention - the book concludes by discussing the importance for self-interrogation in both the study and practice of international relations.

Ontological Security in International Relationswill be of particular interest to students and researchers of international politics, international ethics, international relations and security studies.

1. Introduction  2. Identity, Morality, and Social Action  3. The Possibilities of a Self  4. The Power of Self-Identity: British Neutrality and the American Civil War  5. 'Death Before Dishonor': Belgian Self-Identity, Honor, and World War I  6. Haunted by the Past: Shame and NATOs Kosovo Operation  7. The Future of Ontological Security in International Relations

Ontological Security in International Relationsinspires a number of ideas, and as such, therel�