The role of international authority in lake's hierarchical "scheme" of world politics

In: Međunarodni problemi: International problems, Band 71, Heft 3, S. 311-334

Abstract

Although the agreement of different theoretical approaches regarding the role
and importance of power in world politics can easily be reached, when it
comes to its definition even elementary consensus is lacking. In this paper,
we analyze theoretical interpretations of power given by David Lake, which
in its conceptual scope and explanation of international order deviates from
the established theoretical tracks in the field of IR. We focus on the
concept of authority as a form of international power, which is one of the
fundamental pillars of Lake's theory of hierarchy in international
relations. Comparing the content of Lake's concept of authority with
different theoretical interpretations of international power, primarily
those that preceded it, we emphasized the theoretical advantages of Lake's
interpretation of the structure of the international system. We conclude
that Lake?s theory can be characterized as "non-canonical" rethinking of
world politics to some extent. The relation of superiority and
subordination, which does not rest on coercion, nor fear of force, but on
voluntary consent, forms the backbone of Lake's theory, and at the same time
represents its most recognizable and controversial part. Subjugation to the
force is often read as a dark chapter of human history, a chapter that
humanity seemingly scornfully closed after the rise and success of the
anti-colonial movement in the second half of the twentieth century. In this
context, Lake's study indicates that reality is something completely
different. Former colonies still agree to a subordinate position in order to
benefit from it, but today voluntarily. By analyzing his concept of
authority and comparing it to other conceptions of power, we tried to
explain Lake's view on world politics, and why his findings on authority,
subordination, superiority and international hierarchies in the field of
economics and security represent unavoidable theoretical destinations for
every scholar interested in the study of contemporary international
relations.