The International-to-Come: A New Formulation of Resistance in International Relations (A Case Study of the People's Climate Movement)

The world is undergoing rapid and profound changes. These transformations have occurred and emerged in various aspects and levels. in the post-Cold War era and the beginning of the 21st century, Greater opportunities have emerged for the resistance movements in shaping events and activism for non-state actors in international relations. So, the need for the production of literature and the authoring of new works on these topics has been felt more than ever before. However, there is still a noticeable gap in most scientific and academic writings about subjects like "resistance" in its contemporary dimensions. In this regard, this research aims to show whether it is possible to present a novel framework of resistance in international relations in the context of history of the present of international relations? What are the characteristics of this framework of resistance, and what will they be? The argument of this research is that in the present and the future that is unfolding, resistance in the form of a collective and international linkage, with the possibility of being in common without being common is facilitated among its actors; a form of “the International-to-come”. In this regard, the concept of collective agency is considered, which does not imply uniformity or homogenization, but rather a shared purpose without erasing the distinct characteristics of different groups and individuals. This research, based on the approach of Jacques Derrida, examines and analyzes resistance in international relations. The method employed in this study is a qualitative case study. In this regard, the "People's Climate Movement" will be investigated.
Based on the proposed content, this research is a modest attempt to examine resistance in the contemporary era. It aims to strengthen dialogues and, consequently, foster interdisciplinary discussions about the theoretical, inclusive, and international dimensions of this concept. Given that orthodox perspectives and narrow views in mainstream international relations hinder such reflections, this research seeks to take a different path and analyze the issue through an interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, it delves into the examination and analysis of resistance in international relations, drawing upon the approach of Jacques Derrida.
This research delves into the important aspects of Derrida's views that are relevant to the present study. Specters of Marx is a 1993 book by Jacques Derrida. According to Derrida, the spirit of Marx holds even greater relevance in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the decline of communism. With the demise of communism, the specter of communism begins to reappear on Earth. Derrida seeks to inherit from Marx, not communism itself, but rather the philosophy of responsibility and Marx's spirit of radical critique. In his work, Derrida identifies ten plagues of the global system and presents an account of the emergence of a new form of activism called the "New International". This research emphasizes two concepts in Derrida's approach to analyzing resistance in international relations: the "New International" and "Spectrality".
International activism, as a specter-like action, is constantly evolving and changing. Therefore, it represents a collective framework that does not lead to uniformity or homogenization, but rather signifies a shared action based on the diverse characteristics of groups and individuals. International activism forms a bond of kinship, shared suffering, and hope. Specters of "the International-to-come" do not allow us to forget that any imposed unity carries within it a multiplicity. Essentially, anything left out of the defining process returns as a spectral presence in a different form. Therefore, "the International-to-come" lacks a coherent center and a regulated periphery. It is a collection of diverse and uncoordinated struggles and organizations that prioritize points of connection with common objectives. They are of the nature of Communitas (being in common without being common). In accordance with Derrida's interpretation, "the International-to-come" must leave an empty space for unknown and anonymous activism. This act of leaving an empty space signifies a form of indeterminacy and anonymity that implies hospitality for what is yet to come in the future.
In a specific case study within the research, the "People's Climate Movement" was examined. The People's Climate Movement was a global climate movement that took place in over 400 cities worldwide in 2014 and has continued to evolve. It is important to note that this uprising is not the ultimate representation and embodiment of resistance in the form of " International-to-come". Rather, it serves as an example that, if we want to see how "the International-to-come" can manifest in the real world, this movement demonstrates a part of its shaping and formulation. Within the research's topic and theoretical framework, the People's Climate Movement can be understood as a metaphorical call to accept the responsibility of ancestral heritage by the survivors and strive for reform through reliance on the revelations of the specter of resistance. The "people," as the primary center of the climate movement, play a crucial role in protests, global demonstrations, whistleblowing, coordination among various institutions, and exerting pressure on governments and international organizations for collaboration, it is evident in the example of the climate movement's key role in the United Nations Climate Conference in 2014. This ultimately led to the Paris Agreement on climate change. On the other hand, the People's Climate Movement fulfills the role of the promised activism of past generations. This movement represents a resistance born out of the present, and it is not waiting for the appearance of a promised messiah. Furthermore, it does not hesitate to seize any opportunity for activism, ranging from large-scale gatherings to unconventional and occasionally controversial actions, such as spraying paint on valuable artworks and buildings, and other similar acts. These instances allude to the hidden capacities of the movement in the realm of resistance, which may exist like a specter in our world, seeking an opportunity to emerge based on the exigencies of time and place. Furthermore, the movement has charted a long-term trajectory, namely the fight against climate change, but it restricts the short-term actions of leadership.
Ultimately, the activists of "the International-to-come" do not seek to seize power or dominate the future and the prevailing discourse in international relations. Instead, they demand recognition of their concerns and anxieties.