History: The Interplay of Power and Protest
Domestic Unrest and Global Diplomacy
Traditional analyses of détente between the United States and the Soviet Union have focused on power politics between the two superpowers. However, historian Jeremi Suri argues that superpower diplomacy was also shaped by domestic unrest, not only in major cities like Berkeley and Prague but also in Paris, Berlin, and Beijing.
Suri contends that domestic disorder makes leaders more inclined to seek stability abroad. This is because they fear that internal unrest could weaken their power and legitimacy. Conversely, global forces can also shape protest movements. Nuclear threats, political stalemates, and intense ideological propaganda can create rising expectations and growing disillusionment among young citizens around the world.
The Global Disruption of 1968
Suri examines the “global disruption of 1968,” a period marked by widespread anti-Vietnam War protests and urban riots in the United States, as well as rising waves of youthful discontent in other countries. This period demonstrated the close connection between local and global events.
The Importance of Social Order and Consensus
Suri argues that political leaders at all levels, even in nondemocratic societies, are deeply concerned with maintaining social order and building consensus for their policies. They recognize that their power depends on the support and cooperation of their citizens.
Previous historians have often overlooked this connection, focusing instead on local issues when studying local history. Suri believes that this narrow focus has led to a distorted understanding of historical events.
Reconceptualizing International Affairs
Suri’s work aims to reconceptualize the study of international affairs in the era of globalization. He argues that traditional approaches have failed to adequately account for the interplay between domestic and global forces, as well as the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping foreign policy.
Suri’s approach is highly original and demanding, but it has the potential to transform our understanding of international relations. He is widely recognized as a leading scholar in this field.
Political, Cultural, and Institutional Factors
Suri emphasizes the importance of understanding the political, cultural, and institutional factors that influence a state’s actions. He believes that effective leaders are able to connect the social with the political, bridging the gap between ordinary citizens and policymakers.
Suri’s fluency in multiple languages has allowed him to conduct extensive archival research in various countries. This has given him a unique perspective on the interplay of local and global forces in historical events.
Multinationalism and Personal Identity
Suri’s multinational background has shaped his perspective as a historian. His father emigrated from India to the United States, while his American-born mother has Russian-Polish Jewish roots. This diverse heritage has given him a deep appreciation for the complexities of identity and the challenges of living in a globalized world.
The Power of Ideas and Personal Experiences
Suri’s research is driven by three major questions: Why do people do what they do? How do ideas influence behavior? And how do unintended consequences influence events? He believes that ideas and assumptions can be deeply embedded in our worldview, sometimes without us even realizing it.
Suri argues that personal experiences can also have a profound impact on policymaking. He points to Henry Kissinger, the subject of his latest book, as an example. Kissinger’s experience as a refugee from Nazi Germany has influenced his approach to international relations.
Bridging Social and Political History
Suri sees himself as bridging the worlds of social history and political history. He explores the interaction of ideas, personalities, and institutions in shaping historical events. He believes that power is ultimately about the ability to connect the social and political spheres.