Interactionist role theory meets ontological security studies: an exploration of synergies between socio-psychological approaches to the study of international relations

Abstract

This article argues that interactionist role theory holds much potential for complementing the ontological security literature in the field of International Relations. Concretely, the article argues that an interactionist role theory perspective promises to supplement the ontological security literature in at least two significant respects. First, it allows for a better understanding of how an international actor’s (capacity to provide) ontological security is tied to its ability to realize its ‘self’ in society through the making and playing of roles (and the subsequent casting of others). Second, it emphasizes how reflective intelligence enables an international actor to address destabilizing disconnects between its ‘self’-image and societal role-play, and to develop a measure of ontological resilience (a capacity to constructively engage with – and to recover from – ontological security challenges). To illustrate this argument, the article provides a case study, which explores, from an interactionist role theory perspective, how the European Union’s ontological security has been strengthened, challenged and restored in its interaction with its Southern and Eastern Neighbourhood.

Returning to the roots of ontological security: insights from the existentialist anxiety literature

“…Those who do provide clear definitions of both anxiety and ontological insecurity separately sometimes seem to suggest that ontological insecurity is a more severe condition than anxiety, and that the latter might turn into or cause the former (e.g. Ejdus, 2020; Karp, 2018; Klose, 2019; Mitzen, 2006). Moreover, when reading empirical applications, one sometimes gets the impression that ontological insecurity, used synonymously with anxiety, is observed more or less everywhere.…”

Navigating ontological (in)security in EU–Africa relations

“…This requires a … pragmatic whole-of-EU approach enabling a principled defence of interests and values. (emphasis added) (EC, 2019, p. 1) Overall, the increasing exercise of African agency (Soule, 2020) challenges the EU's secure self (see Johansson-Nogués, 2018Klose, 2020). We argue, however, that in the attempt to regain equilibrium, or rather in pursuit of ontological security, the EU's responses undermine its overarching aims of good relations with Africa and as an ethical foreign policy actor via the exercise of its norms.…”

Misplaced states and the politics of regional identity: towards a theoretical framework

“…Recently, Klose (2019) has opened a new path of research on the interplay of ontological security theory and role theory. He calls for a dialogue between the two approaches.…”

“…Ego has reflective intelligence or the ability to create new scripts by relying on role-making, role-taking and alter casting mechanisms and in this way stabilise itself in social environment. While Klose (2019) gives agency to ontological security by bringing in role theory assumptions and its descriptive and explanatory power, he shows that all actions of an actor are role based. Thus, while showing their complementarity, he shows how roles triumph over ontological security accounts.…”