The Social in the Global
Social Theory, Governmentality and Global Politics

Applies sociological concepts to international relations by examining how influential social ideas contribute to global governance.

Jonathan Joseph (Author)

9781107416703, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 June 2014

320 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.43 kg

'Clear, well written and with careful 'case-studies' on the modes of governance of the European Union and the World Bank, the book is … a very good read.' Richard Beardsworth, International Affairs

How do influential social ideas contribute to global governance? This book takes an original approach to international relations by looking at the way social ideas help to portray the world in a particular way. Jonathan Joseph begins by analysing the role of important concepts such as globalisation, global civil society, social capital, networks and risk; then examines the role these concepts play in the discourse of international organisations. Using the concept of governmentality, he argues that contemporary social theories help justify contemporary forms of governance. By comparing organisations like the EU and the World Bank, Joseph investigates the extent to which these ideas are influential in theory and in practice.

Part I. Governmentality and Social Theory: 1. Introduction: social theory, governmentality and global politics
2. Putting governmentality in its place
3. Globalisation, global governance and global civil society
4. Networks, governance and social capital
5. Reflexivity, knowledge and risk
Part II. Governmentality and International Organisations: 6. Governmentality in the European Union
7. Global governmentality and the World Bank
8. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: International organisations & institutions [LBBU], International relations [JPS], Social theory [JHBA]