Writing Quantum Entanglement into International Relations: Temporality, Positionality, and the Ontology of War
| Date | 01 September 2020 |
| Published date | 01 September 2020 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0305829820971688 |
| Author | Chris McIntosh |
| Subject Matter | Book Forum |
https://doi.org/10.1177/0305829820971688
Millennium: Journal of
International Studies
2020, Vol. 49(1) 162 –174
© The Author(s) 2020
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DOI: 10.1177/0305829820971688
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Writing Quantum
Entanglement into
International Relations:
Temporality, Positionality,
and the Ontology of War
Chris McIntosh
Bard College, USA
Abstract
Laura Zanotti’s Quantum Entanglements offers something unique to the burgeoning literature
surrounding quantum physics, social science, and international relations. Rather than emphasizing
the materiality of the science, it expressly aims its focus toward those already engaged in
relationality, critical practice, and the politics of ontologies–even/especially for those not especially
interested in science qua science. Zanotti’s book calls for a fundamental rethink of the widespread
influence of substantialism, even in the places that self-identify as rejecting it as a philosophical
position. By positioning Newtonian thought as a metaphor, rather than a mimetic representation
of scientific reality, Quantum Entanglements widens the applicability of quantum thinking to areas
seemingly far removed from these debates. This article engages Zanotti’s work by reading her
insights into three different areas of IR scholarship where her ideas could be particularly useful
--temporality, scholarly positionality, and the ontology of war. For each I suggest conceptual
developments building on the critique of substantialism and emphasis on quantum entanglement.
These developments emphasize the inextricability and ontological challenge of entanglement, as
well as centering intellectual and political modesty and human/non-human relationality as ways
forward for thinking international politics.
Keywords
quantum international relations, critical theory, international ethics
Corresponding author:
Chris McIntosh, Bard College, PO Box 5000, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504, USA.
Email: cmcintos@bard.edu
971688MIL0010.1177/0305829820971688Millenium: Journal of International StudiesMcIntosh
research-article2020
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