Q6. What was the impact of the Modernity revolution on IR?

Question 1

Describe modernity

Answer 1

Modernity in IR emphasizes the **creation of the notion of sovereignty, the sovereign-state and the nation-state. **

Modernity sees three things:
1. increasing commercialization
2. the emergence of capitalistic social structures
3. the integration of the entire world into a single network of exchange that by the end of the 19th century produced a “global IR transformation.”

Question 2

When did modernity come about?

Answer 2

• The Peace of Westphalia saw the birth of the sovereign state and modern international relations as we know it today.
• Peace of Westphalia reflects the beginning of modernism,
• early modernity (or pre-modernity) goes from the 16th century (fall of Constantinople) to French revolution.
• Nationalism came to be the main reason for the demise of modernity. The two World Wars came to question this. And now we live in a post modern era.

Question 3

When did modernity end?

Answer 3

After the second World War because of nationalism

Question 4

What allowed for modernism to rise in Europe?

Answer 4

• Rooted in the Age of Reason
• Industrial revolution proved to Europeans the world is theirs for the taking
• establishment of a divide between civilized and uncivilized (think colonialism)
• Globalization - this brought about racism too

Question 5

Elements of the Nation-State

Answer 5

• Sovereignty
• Nationalism
• Taxis
• King Louis 14th