Human society has largely been driven by the capacity to...

Human society has largely been driven by the capacity to construct and propagate narratives. For millennia, humans have tried to make sense of the world and our role in it through narratives. Political leaders have long harnessed the power of narratives for strategic purposes. By offering a coherent and compelling storyline, strategic narratives help frame a leader’s vision, goals and actions in a way that fosters a sense of shared purpose across domestic and international audiences.

Whereas polarity-based narratives largely view international relations as a great power struggle, network-based narratives see the world as a dense web of connections between various hubs and nodes. It acknowledges the multifaceted interactions and ties of differing strengths among a wide array of actors, including major powers, small and medium states, multinational corporations, and international organisations, all contributing to a dynamic and interconnected global system.

One advantage of network-based narratives is that they accurately reflect the growing diffusion of power. While state actors remain key players, the global stage has expanded to include a diverse array of non-state entities exerting evermore sway over international dynamics. Tech giants such as Google, Microsoft and Meta, have the power to shape public discourse, influence policy decisions, and set the agenda for future socio-economic developments beyond the confines of their national government. A network-based narrative would put these powerful entities on the map and in the minds of students of international relations.

Furthermore, a network-based narrative provides a more balanced view of international politics by elevating the role of countries that, while not poles of power, act as major hubs within the global network. Nations such as Germany, Singapore and Qatar exemplify this new form of influence. By leveraging their economic strengths, strategic locations and diverse diplomatic ties, they exert a substantial impact on critical regional matters. Moving away from a polarity-based framework would provide a better understanding of these countries’ role as critical nodes in the international system.

Lastly, a network-based narrative reveals the depth and strength of connections beyond the usual metrics, emphasising the quality and diversity of links between countries. This perspective shifts the focus from overt political alliances and formal agreements to a more comprehensive understanding of how countries are intertwined. By visualising the global landscape as an interconnected web of hubs and nodes, we discern alignments and partnerships that transcend formal declarations and agreements.

Shifting from a polarity-based to a network-based narrative in international relations is likely to encounter resistance from scholars who are steeped in the conventions of great power politics. Yet, as the Cold War era has receded into history, the international stage has become increasingly populated with a diverse array of actors whose significance will be lost if viewed solely through a traditional lens.

While the influence of great powers remains undiminished, the proliferation of influential non-state actors and transnational networks signifies a profound transformation in global affairs. This evolution demands a new narrative that can more accurately account for the complex web of interactions that define contemporary international relations, recognising the importance of both traditional state actors and the emerging multitude of influential entities that shape the global landscape.

Ngô Di Lân. International relations: changing the narrative. Internet: <www.lowyinstitute.org/> (adapted).