Narrative alliances: the discursive foundations of international order
Journal: International Affairs
Year: 2024

Abstract Alliances are generally understood as groupings of states that combine to aggregate their physical capabilities against security threats. In this article we suggest transposing this well-established terminology of inter-state allegiance to the dimension of narrative. Focusing on the example of the ‘rules-based order’ (RBO), we provide a new conceptual entry point for understanding the complex relationship between order and discourse at the international level. Specifically, we examine h