Overcoming misrecognition: the subtle ways of benevolence in international relations

Abstract

Some realists refer to benevolence in diplomacy as an artificial mask for achieving political aims. In another perspective, liberal theories of hegemonic stability aim at describing the different conditions that shape an international order based on benevolent leadership. From duplicity or Samaritan conduct that could be transformed into a paternalism reflex, benevolence does not entail a thick recognition of others. However, not only the Scottish tradition of moral sense but also other references in political theory propose an alternative conception that opens alternative paths for handling international relations. By coming back to the concepts and tools developed by these perspectives, this article proposes to explore some interactions in the international relations realm that shed light on ways to go beyond the misrecognition of alterity. This benevolent conduct is a source of social agency by taking into account the affective component of respect towards others.