John G. Stoessinger - Theories On International Relations

Theories On International Relations

Stoessinger was only a child when Adolf Hitler invaded his home of Austria in order to obtain Anschluss. As a Jewish family, they needed to escape from the Nazis. They received a visa to Shanghai, China from Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who helped thousands of Jews escape from the Nazis. These were the beginnings that shaped Stoessinger's world view and interest in 'why nations go to war.' Much like the scholar Thucydides in the days of the Peloponnesian Wars, Stoessinger believes that war is neither impersonal nor inevitable. One cannot blame merely events for the start of a war, as it eventually comes down to the decisions made by men and women. A strong defender of diplomacy, he asserts that many wars (including the most current Third Gulf War) could have been avoided or solved without the use of violence. One of the main theories that can be contributed to him is the idea of perceptions and misperceptions. He believes that on the eves of most major conflicts, the political leaders involved make critical judgments (often misplaced) which send their country into the conflict. These misperceptions occur on four main levels. The first is a misperception of themselves, their role in the world, and their loyalty to an outcome. According to Stoessinger, George W. Bush made the transition from pragmatist to crusader during his terms as President, developing misperceptions of himself in the process that have proven detrimental to finding peace in the Middle East. The second level is misperceptions of the adversary. Often this includes demonization and a lack of understanding and objectivity in a situation. The third level is misperception of the intentions of the adversary and the last level is misperception of ability of the adversary. Stoessinger also states that two countries on the brink of instability cannot afford for each political leader to anticipate an attack. In this case, war is almost a certainty. These strong assertions about the importance of personalities of political leaders and how they play in to International Relations offer a new view on the world stage. Without the excuse of events beyond human control, Stoessinger puts into the hands of leaders a powerful tool, the ability to keep the world at peace.