The ultimate political question? Realism and omnicide

Max Bouttell*, Annette Freyberg-Inan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Realist political theory purports to prioritize the goals of order, security, and 'political survival'. In spite of these concerns, it has not yet addressed the growing risk that humanity might be lurching towards self-extinction. This contribution considers what omnicidal risk means for contemporary realism, making two arguments. First, we argue that omnicidal risk poses a political problem in a distinctly realist sense of the term. In doing so, we demonstrate that omnicide is a relevant concern for all realists, while ordorealists in particular hold an unrecognized commitment to mitigating omnicidal risk. Second, by demonstrating the extent to which capitalism can be considered a cause of contemporary omnicidal risk, we argue that this concern and commitment should draw realists - and, in particular, ordorealists - into a critique of contemporary political economy. Realism should not ignore omnicidal risk; instead, its consideration should work to radicalize realism.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages25
JournalCritical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy (CRISPP)
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 15 Oct 2024

Keywords

  • Realist political theory
  • realism
  • ordorealism
  • omnicide
  • human extinction
  • capitalism
  • EXISTENTIAL RISK
  • IMAGINATION

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