Description
Do states behave similarly to humans? Do theoretical explanations of stigmatisation in the established-outsider theory apply to states? This paper takes an innovative psychoanalysis approach to understand the process of states’ power transitions. Great powers employ stigmatisation towards rising powers as a tool and means to maintain power and delay a power shift. The father of figurational sociology, Norbert Elias, in his established–outsider theory studied social inequalities based on the observation of an English town consisting of three zones. Yet, similar lessons can be drawn from the competition and relationship between states in the international system. States stigmatise for the simple reason of survival and security that is linked to the perception of threat inspired by neorealism. The synthesis of figurational sociology and neorealism creates a unique lens to view world politics differently. Two levels of historical analyses are employed to examine the power competition of great and rising powers from 1900 to 1945, and from 1945 to 2010. Findings suggest that the effort to promote soft power is crucial, and the increasing importance of soft power confirms that reputation and stigmatisation are means to maintain power. Furthermore, great powers do not use stigmatisation on all weaker states, meaning the higher the level of perceived threat, the more likely great powers will stigmatise rising powers to prevent the latter from growing. This research concludes by recommending rising powers to, firstly, expect stigmatisation by the great powers; and, secondly, pre-emptively work on soft power development to prevent aggressive confrontation.
