The Neo-Middle Ages

Recently I have been reading a book by Parag Khanna called "How to Run the World". It has some very interesting insights regarding the future of international diplomacy and the current state of the world, but one specific idea has truly peaked my interest at the moment. Khanna talks about the current power structure of international relation and likens it to the Middles Ages.

Now this concept does require some context for complete understanding, with its root in historical Superpowers and the role they played on a global scale. After World War II the world became characterized by a bipolar power relationship (between the United States and the USSR). Due to the constant power struggle brought on by the cold war, nations fell behind one or the other of these two powers. Those that remained neutral were few and far between, and mattered even less on the global stage. Then the Soviet Union collapsed, and the Cold War was over- the United States was the only true remaining superpower. For a brief time, like when Rome was at its zenith, the US was supreme with no true rivals.

However due to mismanagement of foreign policy as well as factors well outside the US's control, the importance of America began to wane. The tried and true litmus test of military power was slowly rendered more and more obsolete as global politics adapted and evolved. Many would now say that the power vacuum left by the Soviet Union is now being on its way to being filled by China- but Khanna thinks differently.

He cites the rise of NGO's such as Doctor's Without Borders, the Peace Corp, the World Economic Forum, and others as the reason the diplomacy around the world is changing. This is where the concept of the New Middle Age comes in. Like in historic Europe, where politics were not dominated solely on a 'State' level, but on a myriad of levels. NGO's have taken the role of the Church, powerful political families (such as the Clinton's, the Bush's, or the Kennedy's)  are the new Borgias, celebrities often take the role of patrons of the poor and arts, and instead of guilds we have corporations. Each corporation, NGO, and super-powerful individuals wield power equal to or greater than many conventional States when it comes to economic or diplomatic power. Despite the continued institutional bias both the States and the United Nations have against these non-state actors, they will continue to become more and more important in the shaping of global relations.

This is a time of multi-polar relationships, and after additional research, I must agree with Khanna's comparison to the past. As someone interested in history, I do wonder what the ramifications of such an age would be. We have already seen strife and challenges today that rival the war and turmoil that plagued medieval Europe- is the worst yet to come? Or with today's technological advancements in communication are we heading towards a new Rennaissance?

Mission Statement

The other day, as I was getting ready to go to bed, I looked back upon my day. It had been fine, but it had lacked any sort of intellectual stimulation. I realized that the best way to lose any edge my mind may have was by letting it sit idle. So I decided to dedicate at least an hour a day immersing myself in political thought and events. This blog is to keep me honest, give me a reason to keep up with my readings by having a place to share and synthesize information.

This blog will contain issues that I find interesting or I consider pertinent to the field of political science. I will focus on social justice issues, globalization, collectivism, and current American political events as these are the types of politics that most interest me. However I will not limit myself to these topics and instead discuss anything topics that catch my attention during my research,

My current plan is to update this semi-regularly, at least twice a week. If I fall into a routine and decide specific days for updates, I will be sure to make that known. I look forwards to writing my thoughts, and hopefully hearing your comments!