Global political legitimacy and the structural power of capital

Various scholars ask why seemingly reformist administrations often fail to “deliver on a host of popular reforms” promised during their election campaigns, e.g., extensive restructuring the financial sector (Young et al., 2018). One explanations is that many progressive proposals are off table because danger disinvestment and capital flight. Under conditions mobility, global business elites can drastically restrict options policy-makers through investment decisions, whether they intend do so or not. Such features economic system invite us rethink where political power resides in politics. Drawing radical realist methodology contemporary theory, this article argues our theories legitimacy should be reoriented include structural Transnational Capitalist Class as its subject matter. By I mean systematic coercive effects social institutions not reducible intentional efforts any individual collective agent (Gill & Law, 1989; Guzzini, 1993; Gwynn, 2019).1 1 Valentini (2011) develops similar conceptualization by highlighting systems rules absence actors. However, task different focus particular subset relations determine functioning institutions. Even when intentionally exercise obtain control governance, has recognizable partly enforce world order. contend an adequate theory normative theorize about relation contributes imposition socio-political This methodological argument aims enrich all kinds approaches legitimacy, particularly international theory. Given constitutive how what extent state effectively exercised, it then major form reproduces existing institutional configuration means demands regarding legitimation incorporate into scope evaluation. In accounts, matter too narrow does make sense class fundamental determinant shaping systems. Some hold discussion pertains formal powers organizations such UN, IMF, WTO (Buchanan Keohane, 2006; Caney, 2009). According this, principles apply those claims rightful authority. Further, second group argue powerful agents multinational corporations also these instances substantially impact realization values essential legitimate orders, freedom equality (Erman, 2016; Hurrell Macdonald, 2012; Macdonald 2010). common feature belief controls shapes others' lives purposeful manner. Purposefulness needed “if entities act intentionally, affected subjects able them account” 2018, p. 5). While useful various forms scene, adequately conceptualize order comprehensive structure. As complement conceptions, propose expand assessed conceptions legitimacy. To advance my argument, draw thinkers who assessments applicable large variety practices institutions, only dyadic (Geuss, 2008; Prinz, 2015; Raekstad, Rossi, 2019). view, notion necessarily presuppose relationship between ruler exercising it. realism actors' but asymmetries incorporated More specifically, For instance, set patriarchal structures evaluated basis reshape power. Following count power, regardless domain originated in. support theoretical with empirically informed “Transnational Class” (TCC) (Carroll Carson, 2003; Robinson Harris, 2000; Sprague, The TCC relatively close-knit community shared interests, norms powers, which both structurally exercised. stems from disproportionately empower members. sovereign, corporate elites' decisions threat flight factors economy compel domestic responsive preferences (Block, 1987; Swank, 2016).2 2 Regarding distinction ability over others, account latter kind: position one restricts choice menu another (Young, 2011, 61). captures two main insights derived realism: i) non-dyadic shape nature even arise states other authoritative organizations; ii) wider range three-fold contribution starts questioning sustainability sharp justice actors (Prinz, show category applies certain structures. aim lens helps see questions around class-based go beyond considerations exercised wealthy distributive fairness resources. conceptualizing within conveys message we shift attention surrounding restrain capabilities bodies. important field there strong (Buchanan, 2011; Buchanan raise greater awareness underlying dynamics scholarly debate future multilateralism Lastly, approach complements expanding literature injustice (Lu, 2017; Nuti, 2019; Young, 2011). Rather than focusing responsibility attribution moral aspects dynamics, adopt more functional categorize terms taxonomical claim theorists break down umbrella term justice.3 3 section three, will discuss differs accounts detail. proceeds follows: first limitations section, present realists' views orders. third transnational constitutes instance under way thinking Section four replies several objections. now review assess ways matter, specifying regulated First, some believe concept regulate wield decision-making 7). These amount legal and/or organizational capacities demand ensure degree compliance grounds content-independent reasons claimed binding. mainly refers governance implement 2006, 411; explicitly have authority defined policy-making area. usually standing law been ratified nation states. Formal serious limitation excludes just official simulate discourse public authorities, claiming pursue good. Restraining understanding language directives remnant state-centric Within context, states' right rule, might reasonable strategy since is, at least theoretically, ultimate given jurisdiction. case scale. most significant arena seems implausible. MNCs could informal states, local (Hurrell uses seem significantly order.4 4 Does power? inclusive lobbying advocacy processes although autonomy-limiting. discussed next subsection involves prohibitively high costs event non-compliance. establishes conceptual link duty obey. legitimacy-based prescription. There refer action guidance, informing reason disrupt established relation. Answering question possible actor demanding compliance. Criticizing defend broader conception proper proponents account, type promotes undermines core associated acceptability via 2016, pp. 7–8; 2012, 566). order, MacDonald (2012, 557) “the institutionalized pursuit which—in part least—constitutes society.” covers actor's impacts i.e., network rule-making environment, including organizations, law, NGOs. Whether depends capacity promote curb values. What varies according framework adopt. autonomy liberal-democratic project (Macdonald 2010, 21). publicity cuts across traditional public–private distinction. private market transactions included if induces politically effects, already system. Moreover, presupposes activities issues accountability visible. sense, unintended consequences agents' actions reduce freedoms 2016). workers small-scale producers Global South example illustrate, (2010) supply chains garment coffee industries. “use push wages increase workloads, direct implications for well-being workers” 29). Workers industries typically suffer low wages, barriers association, poor working 28). Local producers, subcontractors MNCs, vulnerable due unstable prices disproportionate dominant buyers. little no bargaining against cannot afford lose sales contracts complying MNCs. restrains workers' producers' torn losing jobs/sales being forced vulnerability humiliation. “The existence autonomy-limiting power” not, however, sufficient frame subordinate superior Nonetheless, state-like sovereign figure, enjoy properly National governments' jurisdictional authorities hardly genuinely (Rodrik, 190). categorized significant, conceived better job desiderata 558–559). non-conservative. It shows types holders departs new groups agents. richer relationships destabilizes conventional distinctions realms. explain indeed non-conservativeness requirement adjusting context freed preconceptions Good innovation bound reproduce traits. Second, non-overly-inclusive 2012). clear Hence, preserves distinctive characteristics reducing justice. counterbalances one, making sure analytic utility name innovation. If overexpanded, risk distinguish democracy. still exclusive identifying agent-centric “intentional identifiable agents” 559), must agents—or systematically act—rather background generate outcomes patterns behaviour.” Similarly, Erman (2016, 35) contends result “unintended problematic wants develop criticism revealing inescapably intertwined deliberately controlled cases formative operate level. socio-economic asymmetric positions give voice influence process. inequalities likely impose change achieved deny relevance entirely Despite possibility, categorically assessment. remaining parts, introduce theorizing out nexus non-political Political realism, line thought develops, heterogonous ensemble (Aytac, 2022; Cross, 2021a; Geuss, Sleat, 2016a; Williams, 2005). Realists' primary contention autonomous practical inquiry imperatives philosophy (Williams, 2005, 2–3). A number secondary follow generic commitment: centrality facts life relations, primacy value, sensitivity historical cultural instead attempting abstract principles, heavy emphasis conflictual politics deems consensus-centric normativity implausible (Burelli, 2021; rest idea power-centric, historically situated, conflict-ridden human enterprise, (Sleat, 2016a). Radical interpretation counts address, evaluate, critique phenomena (Brinn, 2020; 2021b; 2019, 642–644). liberal focuses legitimated cultural-historical 2014). Bernard prominent figure offers tools criticize beliefs motivations prevalent his critical tests largely confined extreme circular reasoning, acceptance legitimizing narrative indoctrination 2002, 231). contrast, realists evaluation senses. lack indoctrination, Williams' principle, justifiability historical-cultural givens legitimize relations. “If story isn't purports be, becomes epistemically suspicious debunked, supports disposed of” (Rossi, 645). epistemic assessment traits comes play filter ideologically flawed narratives (Prinz Rossi Argenton, 2021). methodologically takes account: psychological ideological formation 643). investigates interlinkages among political, cultural, tend orders rather employing narrowly characterized 2015). So realistic issue circumstances would connect attempts provide simply acts violence, action, deciding voluntarily build road unit measurement. 2008, ceases exclusively others (Raekstad, understanding, institution practice questioned opens up wide target criticism, capitalism complex patriarchy. approach, phenomenon limit 2015, 163–166). advantage effectiveness dealing charge status quo bias extending social, (Finlayson, 2017, 270; Thomas, 315–316). needs continues employ Liberal usual distinguishing suggest former less normatively demanding, requirements (Horton, quite work limited nothing implying justice, response, offer following explanation: difference highlighted attributing positive qualities philosophers' reflection, doing reflectively acceptable actual people embedded contingent situation 1981, 91; 7; Hall 282). route sense. undeniable philosophical reflection reflective endorsement need rational reconstruction. case, judgments ultimately endorsed sufficiently circumstances. quality rely deemed solely theorists' judgments. contrast inspired Simmons's (1999) justification am denying contextualist use “justice” characterization here (Sangiovanni, 2008). My suggests preferred wide-ranging emphasize practices, citizens. Finally, qualifications fine-tune while conflate (Adams, Although institution, sports club church community, legitimation, raising exist, immediately makes pays imposed upon subjects. addresses grievances carry special weight people, domination, unfreedom, tyranny.5 5 understood either sociological appeal perceived importance communities without invoking first-order commitments. note addressing problems unfreedom tyranny condition analyzed Instead, necessary elements imposing characteristic indicate specific justify distinct melt categories, rationality, optimality, efficiency. mistake assume situated influenced economy, civil society, family. capture interconnectivity found works early Habermas Fraser. writings, (1988, 20–21) employs Liberal-Capitalist Social Formation h