The Prison as Metaphor: Re-imagining International RelationsWhether wittingly or unwittingly, scholars of international relations have peppered the field with a wide range of metaphors that serve as vehicles for theorizing about world affairs. Yet as pervasive as metaphors are in international relations theory, theorists' efforts to employ metaphorical imagery to suggest new ways of thinking have been haphazard and sporadic. In this book, Michael P. Marks suggests a new metaphor with which to conceptualize international relations: the modern prison. Many of the same questions that are asked about the so-called Ťanarchyť of the international system are also frequently asked of life among prison inmates. Marks finds that lessons from inmate relations can be applied to the study of international affairs. This comparison between the prison and international relations reveals how the construction of human interaction in both realms is infinitely complex. |
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affairs American analysis anarchy approach areas argue assertion assumptions authority balance behavior Chapter civil society complex concept constitute constructed container convicts cooperation create criminal culture dangerous describe discussion distinct domestic economic elements emerge environment especially example existence experience fact field force gangs gender given Global govern groups human interaction identities important individuals inmate inmate code inmate community institutions interests international actors international relations theory international system language levels lived means metaphorical imagery nature norms observes Organization political practices prison metaphor Prisoner's Dilemma problem question range realm relationships roles rules scholars sense serve situation social society sovereignty structure suggest territorial theoretical theories of international theorists thinking thought threats traditional types understanding United University Press violence women York