Authoritarianism as a “Wicked Problem” in Contemporary International Relations

Abstract

This study aims to explore the concept of authoritarianism, which - presented in terms of the “wicked problem” of the contemporary world – seems to be a severe challenge to presentday International Relations (IR), both in theoretical and practical dimensions. The concept of authoritarianism is defined in the article as a form of political system in which the power and material resources of the state have been centralized, appropriated, and put at the disposal of either an individual or an elitist group “in power.” In this way, the possibilities of integrating the authoritarian state - both in the political and economic dimension – with the global system of international relations are limited, and the vital administrative institutions of the state have been manipulated and appropriated. The research method applied allows for the interpretation of the discussed issues in a complex – albeit specific – systemic form, characteristic not only for politically fragile or declining countries and regions but also for those which are politically stable and economically developed. The author’s analysis allows for the presentation and reinterpretation of the issue of contemporary authoritarian regimes concerning international relations in terms that not only define but often legitimize – and repeatedly even validate – some of the most despotic, autocratic, and hegemonist forms of the political systems in modern times.