Papers by Nicolas Alexander Beckmann
Routledge eBooks, Sep 26, 2023
All Azimuth: A Journal of Foreign Policy and Peace 13, no. 1, 2024
Since the numerous calls for developing a truly global and plural IR discipline, a growing spate ... more Since the numerous calls for developing a truly global and plural IR discipline, a growing spate of IR studies have sought to contextualize and critique the Euro-centeredness of the field. One of the most significant problems scholars have pointed out is the hegemonic status of Anglo-American IR theories, which seemingly assert an ontological preeminence and universality at the expense of local knowledge and homegrown theories. While the present article shares many of global IR's concerns, it nevertheless proposes that in our quest to teach IR and develop homegrown theories, we should not lose sight of the importance of traditional contributions to the field. Our argument is based on a series of reflections about the relevance of realist scholarship for the developing world. Through an analysis of the major criticisms of classical IR theories, we seek to show that classical and, to a lesser extent, structural and neoclassical realism contain several and diverse arguments that speak directly to audiences in the global South. Classical realism, in particular, shares some interesting commonalities with postcolonial theory, which could pave the way for a more systematic engagement between the two approaches. Therefore, we argue that a global IR founded primarily on critiquing classical theories would be an impoverished IR, and "the thousand small steps" to a globalized discipline ought not neglect the valuable insights and reflections of traditional theory.
Colombia Internacional 111, 2022
Objective/Context: The present article develops a theoretical tool to explain drug policy decisio... more Objective/Context: The present article develops a theoretical tool to explain drug policy decisions called the Psychoactive Politics Framework. It is built on the assumption that the design and implementation of drug policies affect several political goals, such as popularity, winning elections, material benefits, and international reputation. Therefore, the framework expects these policies to be the result of national and international incentives that will help policy makers achieve those goals. These are incentives related to public opinion, policy advocacy, crises, pressure, standing, and leadership. Methodology: The second part of the article applies the Psychoactive Politics Framework to explain Peru’s first legislation to eradicate illicit coca crops: the Decree Law 22095 of 1978. Through examining diplomatic cables, protocols of international meetings, and media sources, the analysis gathers evidence in favor and against each of the incentives outlined in the framework. Conclusions: While Peru’s drug policy reform took place in an increasingly prohibitionist international environment, its primary driver was the advocacy of national actors, such as the Ministry of the Interior, the Investigative Police, and the attorney general. Originality: The findings question the popular notion that prohibitionist drug policies in South America resulted exclusively from US pressure. Furthermore, the article presents a coherent tool to carry out theory-guided research about past and present drug policy decisions.
OASIS, Núm. 32 (Julio-Diciembre) , 2020
International Relations (IR) has transformed from a relatively state-centric discipline that was ... more International Relations (IR) has transformed from a relatively state-centric discipline that was primarily concerned about international security and the behavior of great powers into a highly diverse intellectual playing field. The present article assesses the implications of this transformation in relation to IR's normative potential, defined in terms of knowledge production and critical thinking. Although the field's growing diversity helps addressing the multiple challenges and crises the world is currently facing, it is also evident that the specialized knowledge and jargon that is needed to engage in a specific subfield prevents IR scholars from understanding one another. This development not only undermines the liveliness of the field, but also obstructs our capacity to interact with political actors and engage with the public. Furthermore, inward-looking scholarly communities curtail critical thinking. Although there is no panacea that can reverse this trend, the article claims that cultivating networks of dialogue may assuage its worst effects by facilitating mutual learning and improving our communicative skills.
Perceptions Journal of International Affairs, XXIV, No. 1, Spring-Summer , 2019
Since the early 19 th century, the U.S. has exerted strong political and economic influence over ... more Since the early 19 th century, the U.S. has exerted strong political and economic influence over Latin America. The painful experiences of the Cold War, when the U.S. supported military dictatorships across the region, and assisted anti-communist forces in Central America, left deep scars in Latin America's collective memory. This article claims that while the Obama administration undertook a series of measures to re-establish some trust, Donald Trump's aggressive rhetoric against immigrants from Latin America, his Cuba Policy, and his threat of using military force in Venezuela have reinforced a negative image of the U.S. It also argues that threats of budget cuts for foreign aid and a protectionist trade policy are undermining the U.S. capacity to exert influence on its southern neighbours. This will most likely bring the region closer to China and other extra-regional powers, which have been increasing their profile there in recent years.
RES 77. Temas varios by Nicolas Alexander Beckmann
Revista de Estudios Sociales, 2021
El presente artículo busca fortalecer una creciente literatura que desafía las interpretaciones d... more El presente artículo busca fortalecer una creciente literatura que desafía las interpretaciones dominantes sobre la “guerra contra las drogas”, las cuales asumen que América del Sur ha sido meramente un receptor y una víctima de modelos externos de políticas de drogas. A través del análisis de documentos oficiales, protocolos de conferencias diplomáticas y artículos mediáticos, el texto sostiene que desde los años setenta los gobiernos sudamericanos impulsaron y desarrollaron, con base en intereses e iniciativas propias, las políticas del prohibicionismo. Esta recontextualización ayuda a entender por qué el prohibicionismo sigue siendo el principal enfoque de políticas sobre drogas hoy en día, a pesar de su evidente fracaso.
Book Reviews by Nicolas Alexander Beckmann
Uploads
Papers by Nicolas Alexander Beckmann
RES 77. Temas varios by Nicolas Alexander Beckmann
Book Reviews by Nicolas Alexander Beckmann