Rhythm and mobilization in international relations

Solomon, T. (2019) Rhythm and mobilization in international relations. International Studies Quarterly, 63(4), pp. 1001-1013. (doi: 10.1093/isq/sqz074)

Abstract

International Relations (IR) has rarely considered rhythm as a topic of analytical attention. Yet rhythms permeate many social and political phenomena, and their study contributes to core debates and empirical insights in contemporary IR. Rhythms are similar to but distinct from other forms of repetitive, iterative social action that have garnered increasing interest in IR, such as practices, habits, and routines. Each of these phenomena has rhythmic elements, but not all rhythmic phenomena are practical, habitual, or routine. Rhythm, then, is a distinct category of iterative action that is effectively positioned to unpack a wider array of practices in a broader range of cases. Moreover, contrary to common conceptions as simple repetition, the multiplicity and dynamism of social rhythms hold the potential to produce novel political formations. This article outlines a framework for the study of rhythms in IR by delineating some key features of social rhythms and three kinds of sociopolitical effects that they have in collective contexts. These theoretical developments are empirically applied to understand neglected aspects of mass mobilization during the Arab uprisings of 2011.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Solomon, Professor Ty
• Authors: Solomon, T.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JZ International relations
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: International Studies Quarterly
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0020-8833
• ISSN (Online): 1468-2478
• Published Online: 29 August 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Author
• First Published: First published in International Studies Quarterly 63(4):1001-1013
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy