Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: New Books Network
Host: Stephen Sikevich
Guest: Piotr Jacques (Piotr Pietrzak)
Episode: "Strengthening International Relations Through Transformative Theory and Practice"
Date: October 18, 2025

This episode centers on Piotr Jacques’s edited volume, an ambitious collection that seeks to challenge established international relations (IR) theory paradigms by re-centering Kantian idealism and advocating for a transformative, multidisciplinary approach. The conversation explores the origins and evolution of IR, key philosophical influences (with a strong emphasis on Kant), the problematics of predominant paradigms, evolving concepts like transnationalism and cognitive warfare, and the practical implications for global politics today—including India-Pakistan relations and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Motivation and Intellectual Genesis of the Book

Origins: Jacques describes the project as “an attempt to re-examine the quiet ‘Big Bang’ of IR theory,” drawing on discussions with his son about the actual origins of the discipline ([03:34]).
- Jacques challenges the widely held belief that E.H. Carr established IR as a discipline, emphasizing Kant’s “Perpetual Peace” as the true moral starting point.
- Notable Quote:
“We forget about Immanuel Kant and his Perpetual Peace, which was also in a way a big bang of international relations, because it was quiet, it was a moral explosion…” — Jacques ([05:00])
Project Structure: The book is an edited collection, with chapters by scholars from diverse backgrounds—India, Pakistan, Turkey, Greece—reflecting real-world collaboration and a commitment to bridging theory and practice ([07:22]).

2. Reevaluating the Foundations: Kant, Carr, and the Limits of Dualism

IR Paradigms:
- The traditional dichotomy (realism vs. liberalism) stems from Carr and Machiavelli (realism) versus Kant (liberalism).
- Jacques calls this framing reductionist, missing out on the rich complexity offered by earlier and alternative philosophies:
  
  “…framing it in the way that there is basically realism or liberalism or as Carr suggested…is not showing the full perspective…” ([11:00])
- He argues for lifting Kant to the foreground, positioning him as a crucial corrective to the limitations of structural realism and liberal reductionism.
Philosophers' Range:
- Advocates for drawing from Plato, Aristotle, Habermas, Derrida—not just IR “canon” figures ([14:27]).
On Taking Authority for Granted:
- Cautions against simplistic readings, especially of “young Kant.” Suggests focusing on late Kant for moral clarity ([14:27]).
- Memorable Metaphor:
“If you compare, for instance, Carr to Kant, it will be like comparing Trabant to Mercedes…” ([15:47])

3. Kant, Idealism, and Practical Impact

Kant’s Copernican Revolution:
- Kant revolutionized not just philosophy, but influenced systems of law, social science (e.g., Max Weber), and concepts like peaceful trade ([20:18]).
- Notable Quote:
“Kant is one of the first modern philosophers who came up with the idea that instead of waging wars there is a hope we can live peacefully if we trade…” ([20:38])
- However, Kantian ideas are not naïve—especially in the context of persistent war and the limitations revealed after major conflicts or recent geopolitical events ([21:59]).
Kant’s Influence Beyond Philosophy:
- Jacques points to Kant as a foundational thinker behind the European Union and United Nations as (imperfect) realizations of perpetual peace ([21:59]).

4. Broadening the Scope: Geopolitics, Transnationalism, and Hyperland

Classical Geopolitics vs. Modern Critique:
- Disavows the outdated, hegemonic interpretations tied to German “offensive geopolitics.”
- Proposes an updated geopolitics oriented around shared stability, informed by Kantian idealism ([24:33]).
- Quote:
“If we don’t perceive geopolitics as a pursuit of dominance, but [as] the pursuit of global stability, that could be an idea which could be interesting…” ([24:33])
The ‘Hyperland’ Thesis:
- The chapter by Georgios Koukakis introduces “hyperland,” proposing that 21st-century power is rooted not just in territory, but information, cyberspace, and technological superiority ([26:17]).
- Quote:
“In the 21st century, information is something we should pursue…not the expansion of land but protection through cybersecurity…” ([27:20])
Transnationalism and Identity:
- Discusses the paradox of intensifying global interconnectedness vs. deepening root in identity (diasporic ties, tribalism, etc.).
- IR must broaden its framework to account for these “transformative identities” and the resulting shifts in world order ([30:00]).

5. Case Studies: From Regional Conflicts to Global Order

India-Pakistan Relations:
- They exemplify power asymmetries, nuclear dynamics, and how local factors (including water politics) shape global stability ([32:23]).
- Links to broader interactions involving China, Russia, and the West ([36:14]).
- Quote:
“India is much stronger…Pakistan is definitely not as strong as even Iran…[creating] a power vacuum…complicated in terms of regional stability.” ([32:48])
Water in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
- Control of water as a tool of power, humanitarian challenges, and shifting policies are explored ([37:43]).
- Educational manipulation (removal of Oslo Accords references by Hamas) is discussed as a case of “cognitive warfare.”

6. Cognitive Warfare and the Moral Gaps of Authority

Cognitive Warfare:
- IR today is shaped as much by narrative manipulation as by tanks and treaties. Jacques’s research focuses on how people’s minds, beliefs, and perceptions become battlegrounds ([42:31]).
Kant and Civil Disobedience:
- Late Kant supports opposition to authorities that do harm, emphasizing moral autonomy over blind obedience ([42:55]).
- Provides historical examples of Kantian “misuse” (Eichmann, Robespierre, Scruton, etc.) to illustrate the importance of interpreting Kant correctly.
- Essence of Kant (summed up):
“Use your brain, use your brain, nothing else matters.” ([47:30])
Instrumentalization of Kant:
- Kant’s ideas are routinely misused or cherry-picked to justify political actions—Jacques insists this is antithetical to the mature Kantian project ([47:00–48:43]).

7. The Kantian Tradition and Its Relevance Today

How to Strengthen Kantianism in IR:
- Jacques urges scholars and practitioners to read Kant deeply—not superficially—and to see his idealism as a process, not utopian delusion ([50:38]).
- Acknowledges the challenge of defending Kant in an often cynical, realist world (see Russia-Ukraine war, 2022), but insists incremental application of Kant can drive real progress.
- Quote:
“If we start reading Kant, all of us…we can actually come to our senses quicker.” ([54:40])
Balance between Realism and Idealism:
- Recalls even E.H. Carr admitted the necessity of some utopianism—Jacques advocates an Aristotelian “golden mean” ([56:19]).
- Yet, realists often erase Kant from the conversation, which Jacques critiques directly:
“That’s the problem which I have with the realists: they basically dismiss Kant. I’m just asking them to acknowledge that Kant existed…” ([57:09])

8. Concluding Reflections and Final Thoughts

Call for Re-examination:
- Invites listeners to question why the “Big Bang” of IR was so quiet, and why Kant’s influence is often sidelined.
- Suggests that integrating Kantian idealism into debates can make our worldview “a little bit more positive, a little less chaotic…” ([59:22])
Current and Future Work:
- Jacques is researching “cognitive warfare” and “software-defined warfare,” as well as projects on Syria and Ukraine, aiming to apply Kantian thought to these issues ([62:20]).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

"We forget about Immanuel Kant and his Perpetual Peace, which was also in a way a big bang of international relations, because it was quiet, it was a moral explosion…" —Piotr Jacques ([05:00])
"If you compare, for instance, Carr to Kant, it will be like comparing Trabant to Mercedes…" —Piotr Jacques ([15:47])
"Kant is one of the first modern philosophers who came up with the idea that instead of waging wars there is a hope we can live peacefully if we trade…" —Piotr Jacques ([20:38])
"If we don’t perceive geopolitics as a pursuit of dominance, but [as] the pursuit of global stability, that could be an idea which could be interesting…" —Piotr Jacques ([24:33])
"Use your brain, use your brain, nothing else matters." —Piotr Jacques’s summary of Kant ([47:30])
"If we start reading Kant, all of us…we can actually come to our senses quicker." —Piotr Jacques ([54:40])

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:34] – Origins and backstory of the book
[06:51] – Assembling an international team of scholars
[10:36] – On the realism/liberalism dichotomy and its limitations
[14:27] – The deeper roots of political philosophy in IR (Plato, Aristotle, Socrates)
[20:18] – Kant’s wider impact on social sciences and law; trade as peace
[24:33] – Geopolitics, past and present; the case for stability
[26:17] – ‘Hyperland’ thesis: cyberspace, information, and power
[30:00] – Transnationalism and transformations in identity
[32:23] – India-Pakistan relations: power asymmetries and global implications
[37:43] – Water as a factor in Israeli-Palestinian conflict; cognitive warfare via education
[42:31] – Cognitive warfare, civil disobedience, and Kantian morality
[50:38] – Strengthening the Kantian tradition in IR
[56:19] – The “golden mean” between idealism and realism
[59:22] – Final thoughts and calls for Kantian reflection
[62:20] – Jacques’s current projects and closing statements

Takeaways for Listeners

The edited book challenges the “loud” debates of IR with the “silent revolution” of Kantian thinking.
Jacques urges scholars and practitioners not to exclude idealist voices like Kant—arguing that a holistic, historically aware approach will yield more relevant solutions.
Key real-world issues—geopolitics, identity, cognitive warfare—are not just technical or material but fundamentally philosophical and moral.
The episode is a call to re-engage with foundational texts, resist dogmatism, and seek a balance (the “golden mean”) between the extremes of naiveté and cynicism in global politics.

This detailed summary brings together the most salient themes and intellectual moments of the episode, offering a roadmap for anyone interested in the evolving debates of international relations and the enduring relevance of philosophical inquiry.

Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Motivation and Intellectual Genesis of the Book

Origins: Jacques describes the project as “an attempt to re-examine the quiet ‘Big Bang’ of IR theory,” drawing on discussions with his son about the actual origins of the discipline ([03:34]).
- Jacques challenges the widely held belief that E.H. Carr established IR as a discipline, emphasizing Kant’s “Perpetual Peace” as the true moral starting point.
- Notable Quote:
“We forget about Immanuel Kant and his Perpetual Peace, which was also in a way a big bang of international relations, because it was quiet, it was a moral explosion…” — Jacques ([05:00])
Project Structure: The book is an edited collection, with chapters by scholars from diverse backgrounds—India, Pakistan, Turkey, Greece—reflecting real-world collaboration and a commitment to bridging theory and practice ([07:22]).

2. Reevaluating the Foundations: Kant, Carr, and the Limits of Dualism

IR Paradigms:
- The traditional dichotomy (realism vs. liberalism) stems from Carr and Machiavelli (realism) versus Kant (liberalism).
- Jacques calls this framing reductionist, missing out on the rich complexity offered by earlier and alternative philosophies:
  
  “…framing it in the way that there is basically realism or liberalism or as Carr suggested…is not showing the full perspective…” ([11:00])
- He argues for lifting Kant to the foreground, positioning him as a crucial corrective to the limitations of structural realism and liberal reductionism.
Philosophers' Range:
- Advocates for drawing from Plato, Aristotle, Habermas, Derrida—not just IR “canon” figures ([14:27]).
On Taking Authority for Granted:
- Cautions against simplistic readings, especially of “young Kant.” Suggests focusing on late Kant for moral clarity ([14:27]).
- Memorable Metaphor:
“If you compare, for instance, Carr to Kant, it will be like comparing Trabant to Mercedes…” ([15:47])

3. Kant, Idealism, and Practical Impact

Kant’s Copernican Revolution:
- Kant revolutionized not just philosophy, but influenced systems of law, social science (e.g., Max Weber), and concepts like peaceful trade ([20:18]).
- Notable Quote:
“Kant is one of the first modern philosophers who came up with the idea that instead of waging wars there is a hope we can live peacefully if we trade…” ([20:38])
- However, Kantian ideas are not naïve—especially in the context of persistent war and the limitations revealed after major conflicts or recent geopolitical events ([21:59]).
Kant’s Influence Beyond Philosophy:
- Jacques points to Kant as a foundational thinker behind the European Union and United Nations as (imperfect) realizations of perpetual peace ([21:59]).

4. Broadening the Scope: Geopolitics, Transnationalism, and Hyperland

Classical Geopolitics vs. Modern Critique:
- Disavows the outdated, hegemonic interpretations tied to German “offensive geopolitics.”
- Proposes an updated geopolitics oriented around shared stability, informed by Kantian idealism ([24:33]).
- Quote:
“If we don’t perceive geopolitics as a pursuit of dominance, but [as] the pursuit of global stability, that could be an idea which could be interesting…” ([24:33])
The ‘Hyperland’ Thesis:
- The chapter by Georgios Koukakis introduces “hyperland,” proposing that 21st-century power is rooted not just in territory, but information, cyberspace, and technological superiority ([26:17]).
- Quote:
“In the 21st century, information is something we should pursue…not the expansion of land but protection through cybersecurity…” ([27:20])
Transnationalism and Identity:
- Discusses the paradox of intensifying global interconnectedness vs. deepening root in identity (diasporic ties, tribalism, etc.).
- IR must broaden its framework to account for these “transformative identities” and the resulting shifts in world order ([30:00]).

5. Case Studies: From Regional Conflicts to Global Order

India-Pakistan Relations:
- They exemplify power asymmetries, nuclear dynamics, and how local factors (including water politics) shape global stability ([32:23]).
- Links to broader interactions involving China, Russia, and the West ([36:14]).
- Quote:
“India is much stronger…Pakistan is definitely not as strong as even Iran…[creating] a power vacuum…complicated in terms of regional stability.” ([32:48])
Water in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
- Control of water as a tool of power, humanitarian challenges, and shifting policies are explored ([37:43]).
- Educational manipulation (removal of Oslo Accords references by Hamas) is discussed as a case of “cognitive warfare.”

6. Cognitive Warfare and the Moral Gaps of Authority

Cognitive Warfare:
- IR today is shaped as much by narrative manipulation as by tanks and treaties. Jacques’s research focuses on how people’s minds, beliefs, and perceptions become battlegrounds ([42:31]).
Kant and Civil Disobedience:
- Late Kant supports opposition to authorities that do harm, emphasizing moral autonomy over blind obedience ([42:55]).
- Provides historical examples of Kantian “misuse” (Eichmann, Robespierre, Scruton, etc.) to illustrate the importance of interpreting Kant correctly.
- Essence of Kant (summed up):
“Use your brain, use your brain, nothing else matters.” ([47:30])
Instrumentalization of Kant:
- Kant’s ideas are routinely misused or cherry-picked to justify political actions—Jacques insists this is antithetical to the mature Kantian project ([47:00–48:43]).

7. The Kantian Tradition and Its Relevance Today

How to Strengthen Kantianism in IR:
- Jacques urges scholars and practitioners to read Kant deeply—not superficially—and to see his idealism as a process, not utopian delusion ([50:38]).
- Acknowledges the challenge of defending Kant in an often cynical, realist world (see Russia-Ukraine war, 2022), but insists incremental application of Kant can drive real progress.
- Quote:
“If we start reading Kant, all of us…we can actually come to our senses quicker.” ([54:40])
Balance between Realism and Idealism:
- Recalls even E.H. Carr admitted the necessity of some utopianism—Jacques advocates an Aristotelian “golden mean” ([56:19]).
- Yet, realists often erase Kant from the conversation, which Jacques critiques directly:
“That’s the problem which I have with the realists: they basically dismiss Kant. I’m just asking them to acknowledge that Kant existed…” ([57:09])

8. Concluding Reflections and Final Thoughts

Call for Re-examination:
- Invites listeners to question why the “Big Bang” of IR was so quiet, and why Kant’s influence is often sidelined.
- Suggests that integrating Kantian idealism into debates can make our worldview “a little bit more positive, a little less chaotic…” ([59:22])
Current and Future Work:
- Jacques is researching “cognitive warfare” and “software-defined warfare,” as well as projects on Syria and Ukraine, aiming to apply Kantian thought to these issues ([62:20]).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

"We forget about Immanuel Kant and his Perpetual Peace, which was also in a way a big bang of international relations, because it was quiet, it was a moral explosion…" —Piotr Jacques ([05:00])
"If you compare, for instance, Carr to Kant, it will be like comparing Trabant to Mercedes…" —Piotr Jacques ([15:47])
"Kant is one of the first modern philosophers who came up with the idea that instead of waging wars there is a hope we can live peacefully if we trade…" —Piotr Jacques ([20:38])
"If we don’t perceive geopolitics as a pursuit of dominance, but [as] the pursuit of global stability, that could be an idea which could be interesting…" —Piotr Jacques ([24:33])
"Use your brain, use your brain, nothing else matters." —Piotr Jacques’s summary of Kant ([47:30])
"If we start reading Kant, all of us…we can actually come to our senses quicker." —Piotr Jacques ([54:40])

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:34] – Origins and backstory of the book
[06:51] – Assembling an international team of scholars
[10:36] – On the realism/liberalism dichotomy and its limitations
[14:27] – The deeper roots of political philosophy in IR (Plato, Aristotle, Socrates)
[20:18] – Kant’s wider impact on social sciences and law; trade as peace
[24:33] – Geopolitics, past and present; the case for stability
[26:17] – ‘Hyperland’ thesis: cyberspace, information, and power
[30:00] – Transnationalism and transformations in identity
[32:23] – India-Pakistan relations: power asymmetries and global implications
[37:43] – Water as a factor in Israeli-Palestinian conflict; cognitive warfare via education
[42:31] – Cognitive warfare, civil disobedience, and Kantian morality
[50:38] – Strengthening the Kantian tradition in IR
[56:19] – The “golden mean” between idealism and realism
[59:22] – Final thoughts and calls for Kantian reflection
[62:20] – Jacques’s current projects and closing statements

Takeaways for Listeners

The edited book challenges the “loud” debates of IR with the “silent revolution” of Kantian thinking.
Jacques urges scholars and practitioners not to exclude idealist voices like Kant—arguing that a holistic, historically aware approach will yield more relevant solutions.
Key real-world issues—geopolitics, identity, cognitive warfare—are not just technical or material but fundamentally philosophical and moral.
The episode is a call to re-engage with foundational texts, resist dogmatism, and seek a balance (the “golden mean”) between the extremes of naiveté and cynicism in global politics.

wavePod

Piotr Pietrzak, "Strengthening International Relations Through Transformative Theory and Practice" (Information Science Reference, 2025)

Summary

Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Motivation and Intellectual Genesis of the Book

2. Reevaluating the Foundations: Kant, Carr, and the Limits of Dualism

3. Kant, Idealism, and Practical Impact

4. Broadening the Scope: Geopolitics, Transnationalism, and Hyperland

5. Case Studies: From Regional Conflicts to Global Order

6. Cognitive Warfare and the Moral Gaps of Authority

7. The Kantian Tradition and Its Relevance Today

8. Concluding Reflections and Final Thoughts

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Takeaways for Listeners

Transcript

Summary

Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Motivation and Intellectual Genesis of the Book

2. Reevaluating the Foundations: Kant, Carr, and the Limits of Dualism

3. Kant, Idealism, and Practical Impact

4. Broadening the Scope: Geopolitics, Transnationalism, and Hyperland

5. Case Studies: From Regional Conflicts to Global Order

6. Cognitive Warfare and the Moral Gaps of Authority

7. The Kantian Tradition and Its Relevance Today

8. Concluding Reflections and Final Thoughts

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Takeaways for Listeners