Realism in International Relations - Symbiotic Realism

Symbiotic Realism

Nayef Al-Rodhan’s Symbiotic Realism theory of international relations is based on four interlocking dimensions of the global system: 1) interdependence; 2) instant connectivity; 3) global anarchy; and 4) the neurobiological substrates of human nature. He defines the neurobiological substrates of human nature that motivate behavior as basic needs, ego, and fear. When basic survival needs met, Nayef Al-Rodhan argues that humans can aspire to higher things such as morality. Thus, in order for society to prosper, the state of nature among individuals must be mitigated. This has historically been done through the establishment of states and of domestic governments.

Internationally, however, the relations between states have historically and continue to be dominated by anarchy. With no overarching authority to regulate state behavior and ensure the safety and prosperity of all, international life could be considered somewhat precarious. Nayef Al-Rodhan argues that increased integration brought about by globalization helps to mitigate the consequences of global anarchy. However, globalization is also undermining the capacities of states to act as viable sites for collective action and credible commitments. This is because the states are becoming more intertwined in webs of power that are linked to shifts in the material distribution of power and authoritative resources. In other words, the state’s domestic role is being transformed by the increasingly important interests of transnational capital. Because of these new emerging dynamics of the international system, Nayef Al-Rodhan maintains that in order for societies to prosper materially and morally, humanity needs some form of governance that can ensure that the basic survival needs of human beings and states are satisfied in the context of increased interdependence and instant connectivity. This conception of international relations allows for absolute rather than just relative gains, and stresses that all states can benefit from cooperation and non-conflictual competition. Symbiotic realism goes beyond the state-centrism of realism, integrating a number of actors that have often been underemphasized or ignored by the realist paradigm, such as large collective identities, multi-national corporations, international organizations, the biosphere, and women. This is vital, since these, too, are all important actors (both active and reactive) that help to(re)produce the global order and, as such, have a bearing on its relations and dynamics.