![]() The politico-philosophical core of the United States is well known and widely replicated at all levels, from university essays and textbooks to propaganda videos and social media posts. In the modern world, only two countries can be distinguished which combine both significant material potential and their own political philosophy: the US and China. As a rule, we are talking about a mixture of universal ethical principles, categories of such major political and philosophical doctrines as liberalism, socialism or conservatism, nationally specific views and principles, and even religious doctrines such as Christianity or Islam. ![]() It is extremely difficult to find exceptionally original political and philosophical doctrines with global influence. There are single copies in the hands of single carriers-the same superpowers.ĭoes the political philosophy of a superpower need to be “sovereign”? Should it be based only on the nation’s intellectual tradition? Certainly not. In fact, many of these creations crumble and get lost in the information noise. One can unite “smart people”, edit the results of their “brainstorming”, write basic works, and make manuals for propagandists-that’s all. It would seem that creating a political-philosophical doctrine is much easier than designing a missile or a nuclear bomb. It is noteworthy that there are surprisingly few countries that have material power and at the same time have their own political philosophy. But without a material base, there is a risk that these will just remain hot air, remaining good wishes alone. ![]() At a certain moment, it can be a model of stoicism or heroism, a carrier of innovative and attractive ideas. The dominance of the bayonet and the purse strings will have shaky ground without a clear understanding of why and for what it exists.Ĭan a country broadcast an influential political philosophy while lagging behind materially? Also definitely. However, bare realism will sooner or later mark the boundaries of legitimacy. Ultimately, the state can concentrate significant power and live exclusively in accordance with the principles of realism, pursue a pragmatic policy, advance its material interests, and achieve dominance where possible. Such an interpretation should be based on a deep intellectual tradition and one’s own practical experience, which make the arguments of the proposed political-philosophical doctrine convincing both for oneself and for others.Ĭan a country represent a value only due to material factors? Undoubtedly. We are talking about a special interpretation of key political concepts in relation to international relations-power, authority, justice, equality, etc. All of the above may be derived from political philosophy, but not exhaust its content. Moreover, political philosophy is neither a set of slogans and clichés, nor a pretty wrapper or simulation. The superpower offers its own unique view of how exactly the world should be arranged, according to what rules it should exist, what its goal is, and why this particular superpower is legitimate in its role. We can suggest that a noticeable difference between a superpower and other states, along with the superiority of material factors, is the presence of a systemic and consistent political philosophy of international relations. Meanwhile, this is where one of the most important criteria lies. Whose culture is stronger? Whose ethics are correct? Whose value system is better? Such questions lead to value-oriented disputes, but do little to distinguish the superpowers from other players in the international arena. Their assessment is too subjective and potentially vulnerable to distortion. Their quantitative measurement is difficult, if not impossible. The situation with non-material factors is much more complicated. The totality of such material opportunities provides measurable, albeit not controversial, criteria for ranking countries. What makes a true superpower stand above the rest? Is there a universal set of traits that distinguishes a few leaders from many outsiders? Until now, the key criteria for a “superpower” have mainly been considered by scholars in a material way.Ī superpower must have economic potential that far exceeds that of other countries, military power, critical technologies, a developed scientific and industrial base, and human capital. In the modern science of international relations, defining the essential features of modern superpowers has remained a bone of contention.
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