New Books in Critical Theory Philip Cunliffe, "The National Interest: Politics After Globalization" (Polity Press, 2025)
Aug 2, 2025
Philip Cunliffe, an Associate Professor of International Relations at University College London, dives into the fading concept of national interest amidst the backdrop of globalization. He discusses how political leaders have neglected national interest over the last thirty years, impacting political representation and accountability. Cunliffe critiques contemporary populism, the rise of nationalism, and the complex interplay between national interests and democratic processes, urging a revival of the national interest for democratic renewal and better international cooperation.
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National Interest's Cold War Shift
- The national interest shifted from contestable policy to an academic explanatory tool during the Cold War.
- It became restricted, often absorbed by national security interests and bureaucracies, limiting democratic contestation.
Neoliberalism Weakens National Interest
- Neoliberalism contributed to the decline of the national interest by prioritizing markets over state responsibilities.
- International organizations and transnational bodies supplanted national representation, further eroding democratic accountability.
Globalization's Peak and Decline
- Key blows to globalization include the failure of global trade talks, Brexit, Trump's election, and COVID-19 lockdowns.
- These events fragmented the international economy and reasserted the importance of national borders.