Evolution and Anarchism in International Relations: The Challenge of Kropotkin’s Biological Ontology

Abstract

This paper will utilize Peter Kropotkin's theory of Mutual Aid to reconsider ontology in IR. Mutual Aid Theory holds that the evolution of organisms is shaped by cooperation within a group of species against a variable ecology; thus giving rise to a sociality instinct (Kropotkin 1902). This is contrasted with the Malthusian assumption that evolution takes place at the individual level according to their intraspecific fitness. Mutual Aid Theory, applied to the realm of politics, overturns collective action problem-grounded theories that hold that the egoistic and competitive drive of humans must be overcome to promote cooperation. Thayer (2004) applied the orthodox individual-fitness interpretation of evolution in an attempt to shore up Realist arguments. I argue that such reductionist approaches to studying politics are archaic and not congruent with current scientific understanding. A critical realist approach, placing analytical priority on ontological investigations over epistemological/methodological commitments, is employed to assist in the criticism of orthodox reductionist ontologies. However, equally in line with Kropotkin's anarchist ideas, I argue that this critical realist approach also provokes ontologically-driven inquiries into post-sovereignty global politics and can inform the emancipatory intent of critical IR theory, along the basic anarchist ontological claim: society precedes the State.

Anarchism as emancipatory theory and praxis: Implications for critical Marxist research

“…In academia, contributions on anarchism are burgeoning, too (Amster et al 2009; Blumenfeld et al 2013; Bray 2013; Day 2005; Franks & Wilson 2010; Graeber 2002; Goodwin 2010; Gordon 2008; Heckert & Cleminson 2011; June 2010; Levy & Newman 2015; McKay 2008; Prichard et al 2012; Prichard 2013; Rossdale 2010, 2015; Shannon et al 2012; Springer 2014). A new cohort of scholars has emerged, committed to demonstrating that anarchist ideas are ‘serious and sophisticated as well as fluid and constantly evolving’ (Gordon 2008: 4).…”