Social Reach: A Connectivist Approach to American Identity and Global Governance

(Paperback)

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Social Reach examines the identity of global leadership and the impact it has on global governance. Realism focuses on strategic interests; idealism focuses on norms and values. However, the "either my interest or my value" approach toward international relations is not compatible with the identity of a global leader. The essence of international relations is "relationship," instead of interest or values. Tian-jia Dong proposes a connectivist perspective, which focuses on full-fledged connections through functional instrumentation and relational inclusion. Three logicsthe logic of conquest, the logic of interdependence, and the logic of togethernessare highlighted as the driving forces behind the dynamics of international relationship. Dong further illustrates two new concepts, "connective authority" and "connective democracy" as the guiding principles of global leadership and global governance.

Author Bio

Tian-jia Dong(Ph.D. Boston College) is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Westfield State College.