Risks in International Relations



Risks in International Relations

The article, Risks in International Relations, is written by William Clapton. In this article the author suggests that the available literature on International Relations (IR), risk management and risk is inadequate; thus, holds a wide scope of expansion, from the perspective of IR. He also states that the characteristic feature of this literature is the argument between the constructivist, realist and post-structuralist approaches to risk. The underlying concept of these approaches is the question if risks are real or not. This article is all about bringing into limelight the ways through which risks can be identified, assessed and managed. The author has given it the name of riskisation. It also explains why various forms of risk management are used in a particular situation and not others.

This is a well-researched article which provides through knowledge about the various traditional approaches used in risk management, and how these approaches have gone stale with the passage of time. As it is identified in the article, that taking into consideration the agency; identifying political alliances or actors involved in sculpting and influencing the methods of riskisation is very important. This subsequently leads to the notion that identifying the values and norms guiding the processes of riskisation is also very important. The prime reason for this is to understand why various events, actors and issues are particular to riskisation and why particular forms of definition of risk and risk management are associated with various situations.

It is also asserted by the author, that being aware of the political and social effects of riskisation also holds immense significance. To be specific, it is important to explore the way risk impact global political and social interactions, not only between states, but also between non-state and state actors.

Regardless of the presumed dissociation ...