Neomedievalism in International Relations

In Neomedievalism in International Relations: Scattering the International, Elucidating the Empire, we explore the evolution of Neomedievalism and its transformative role in rethinking world politics. Drawing on Hedley Bull’s concept of a post-state-centric world, the book examines how Neomedievalism, with its metaphorical reference to the Middle Ages, offers a fresh lens through which to understand the fragmentation of state authority, the rise of non-state actors, and the impacts of globalisation and technology. The book investigates Neomedievalism in International Relations (IR) theory, arguing that it illuminates the process of “scattering the international”—the breakdown of state-centric world politics and the decentralisation of political power. It further shows how Neomedievalism aids in “elucidating the empire,” offering insights into the dynamics of political development, past and present empires, and the growing influence of transnational forces. By evaluating Neomedievalism as an alternative to state-centric models of world order, the book contributes to the much-needed evolution of global political theory, proposing a path towards a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of contemporary world politics. It will appeal to scholars and students of IR and political theory, particularly those interested in non-state actors, polity formation, informal power, and the evolving structure of world politics.