
Vicarious Identity in International Relations
Self, Security, and Status on the Global Stage
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 31. March 2021
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-0-19-752638-5 (ISBN)
Description
Vicarious identification, or "living through another" is a familiar social-psychological concept. Shaped by insecurity and a lack of self-fulfilment, it refers to the processes by which actors gain a sense of self-identity, purpose, and self-esteem through appropriating the achievements and experiences of others. As this book argues, it is also an under-appreciated and increasingly relevant strategy of international relations.
According to this theory, states identify and establish special relationships with other nations (often in an aspirational way) in order to strengthen their sense of self, security, and status on the global stage. This identification is also central to the politics of citizenship and can be manipulated by states to justify their global ambitions. For example, why might the United States look at Israel as a model for its own foreign policies? What shaped the politics of Brexit and why is the United Kingdom so attached to its transatlantic "special relationship" with the United States? And, why did Denmark so enthusiastically ally with the United States during the global War on Terror? Vicarious identity, as the authors argue, is at the core of these international dynamics.
Vicarious Identity in International Relations examines the ways in which vicarious identity is relevant to global politics: across individuals; between citizens and states; and across states, regional communities, or civilizations. It looks at a range of cases (the United States, the United Kingdom, and Denmark), which illustrate that vicarious political identity is dynamic and emerges in different contexts, but particularly when nations face crisis, both internally and externally. In addition, the book outlines a qualitative methodology for analyzing vicarious identity at the collective level.
According to this theory, states identify and establish special relationships with other nations (often in an aspirational way) in order to strengthen their sense of self, security, and status on the global stage. This identification is also central to the politics of citizenship and can be manipulated by states to justify their global ambitions. For example, why might the United States look at Israel as a model for its own foreign policies? What shaped the politics of Brexit and why is the United Kingdom so attached to its transatlantic "special relationship" with the United States? And, why did Denmark so enthusiastically ally with the United States during the global War on Terror? Vicarious identity, as the authors argue, is at the core of these international dynamics.
Vicarious Identity in International Relations examines the ways in which vicarious identity is relevant to global politics: across individuals; between citizens and states; and across states, regional communities, or civilizations. It looks at a range of cases (the United States, the United Kingdom, and Denmark), which illustrate that vicarious political identity is dynamic and emerges in different contexts, but particularly when nations face crisis, both internally and externally. In addition, the book outlines a qualitative methodology for analyzing vicarious identity at the collective level.
Reviews / Votes
This is a path-breaking work. Its focus on vicarious identity and identification takes the discussion on subjectivity and ontological (in)security in International Relations to new dimensions by offering a theoretically sophisticated and powerful reading of the relationship between vicarious identification and foreign policy strategies. In paying attention to the vicarious bonding of US-Israel, US-UK, and Denmark and the world, the authors insightfully address some of the most pressing issues of our times. * Catarina Kinnvall, Professor of Political Science, Lund University * Built on sophisticated engagement with a range of theoretical literature and a nuanced discussion of contemporary case studies, this important book introduces the IR community to the concept of vicarious identity. In the process, the authors manage the impressive achievement of shining a light on what is hidden in plain sight in contemporary IR, pointing to the relevance of dynamics of vicarious identity in making sense of foreign policy, interstate relations, and identity politics. A crucial book for any scholar of identity in IR, and an important book for any scholar of IR. * Matt McDonald, Reader in International Relations, University of Queensland * Vicarious Identity in International Relations contends not only that a phenomenon common in everyday life is also prevalent in relations between states, but that it does some surprisingly significant work in global politics. Developing a sophisticated new approach for the study of vicarious identity at the state and international levels, Browning, Joenniemi, and Steele offer an erudite and accessible analysis of how 'living through others' matters in international relations. This fascinating study will no doubt ignite a fruitful and welcome new research agenda in IR. * Ty Solomon, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Glasgow *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
549 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-752638-5 (9780197526385)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Christopher S. Browning | Pertti Joenniemi | Brent J. Steele
Vicarious Identity in International Relations
Self, Security, and Status on the Global Stage
E-Book
01/2021
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€46.99
Available for download

Christopher S. Browning | Pertti Joenniemi | Brent J. Steele
Vicarious Identity in International Relations
Self, Security, and Status on the Global Stage
E-Book
01/2021
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€46.99
Available for download
Persons
Christopher S. Browning is Reader of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick. His research centers on critical approaches to security, identity politics, and critical geopolitics, with a specific focus on issues connected to ontological security, civilizational politics, nation branding, humor and public diplomacy, Brexit, and practices of Nordic and European region building.
Pertti Joenniemi is Senior Researcher at the Karelian Institute, University of Eastern Finland. He has held positions of a senior researcher at the Tampere Peace Research Institute, Copenhagen Peace Research Institute, and the Danish Institute of International Studies.
Brent J. Steele is the Francis D. Wormuth Presidential Chair, Professor, and Department Chair of Political Science at the University of Utah. He was previously at the University of Kansas. His research and teaching interest include topics connected to ontological security, international ethics, generational analysis,
critical security studies, US foreign policy, and global health.
Pertti Joenniemi is Senior Researcher at the Karelian Institute, University of Eastern Finland. He has held positions of a senior researcher at the Tampere Peace Research Institute, Copenhagen Peace Research Institute, and the Danish Institute of International Studies.
Brent J. Steele is the Francis D. Wormuth Presidential Chair, Professor, and Department Chair of Political Science at the University of Utah. He was previously at the University of Kansas. His research and teaching interest include topics connected to ontological security, international ethics, generational analysis,
critical security studies, US foreign policy, and global health.
Author
Reader of Politics and International StudiesReader of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick
Senior Researcher at the Karelian InstituteSenior Researcher at the Karelian Institute, University of Eastern Finland
Professor of Political ScienceProfessor of Political Science, University of Utah
Content
Introduction
Chapter One: Vicarious Identity: An Overview
Chapter Two: Vicarious Identity in International Relations
Chapter Three: US Vicarious Identity with Israel: 1967-2020
Chapter Four: Vicarious Identification as Foreign Policy Strategy: The UK-US "Special Relationship"
Chapter Five: Aspiring for Vicarious Identity Through Engagement in War: The Case of Denmark
Conclusion
Notes
References
Index
Chapter One: Vicarious Identity: An Overview
Chapter Two: Vicarious Identity in International Relations
Chapter Three: US Vicarious Identity with Israel: 1967-2020
Chapter Four: Vicarious Identification as Foreign Policy Strategy: The UK-US "Special Relationship"
Chapter Five: Aspiring for Vicarious Identity Through Engagement in War: The Case of Denmark
Conclusion
Notes
References
Index