Distinguished Professor Ali Riaz has published a book chapter on the role of fear in global politics. Riaz argues that fear and its implications have been discussed within the context of domestic politics of various countries, but fear as an element of international relations has seldom drawn attention. The long absence of fear in international relations is due to two factors, Riaz insists. One is the state-centric explanations of the global system, and the second is the rationally driven positivist framework.
Riaz, in his essay “Fear in global politics,” asserts that the presence of fear in international relations involves power projection. Hegemonic posturing of countries, their display of military might, and regular military exercises impart fear among smaller countries. Defense expenditures and the presence of military outside the country are good indicators in this regard.
The chapter is included in a volume titled Culture of Fear in World Politics: Origin and Ramifications edited by Bikash Ranjan Deb and published by Levant Books of India.
