Dr. Simon Polinder
Simon Polinder is postdoctoral researcher at the Department History of International Relations at Utrecht University. He is associated with the project Reimagining Religion, Security and Social Transformation. This project is part of the broader knowledge agenda of the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) programme.
Dr. Simon Polinder’s article “Through the Eyes of Love: Looking at International Politics Differently” has been rewarded the 2024 E-International Relations Article Award, sponsored by Edinburgh University Press, Polity, Sage, Bloomsbury and Routledge!
In “Through the Eyes of Love: Looking at International Politics Differently,” Simon Polinder advocates for a love-based perspective in analyzing international relations, contrasting it with the dominant fear-based approach. He critiques the traditional view that international politics are driven primarily by fear, power, and self-interest, as espoused by figures like Hobbes and Machiavelli. While fear plays a significant role in international politics, it is often historically inaccurate and offers no constructive direction.
The E-International Relations Article Award is an award for articles with novel or under appreciated ideas that contribute to a better understanding of international relations. The aim is to spark debate and to communicate new ideas to the widest possible audience.
The Security History Network 