National Institute of Technology

Dec 19, 2023

NIT Calicut hosts seminar with Professor James Mayall on Global Power Dynamics

National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut organized a thought-provoking seminar and interactive session on the theme "Power, Legitimacy, and the International Order," on Monday. Renowned scholar Prof. James Mayall, Emeritus Professor of International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Cambridge, led the discourse.

The session was moderated by Shri. Keshav Menon, former Chief Editor of Mathrubhumi and an international relations expert. Professor Mayall explored power legitimacy from the United Nation's perspective, emphasizing three key topics.

He discussed the profound impact of the end of Cold War on global dynamics, the shift of power from the West to the East and the rise of ultranationalism and authoritarianism in various parts of the world. The discussion extended to the complexities of the multilateral system, its origins in the West, and its transportation to other regions.

The session was jointly organised by the Centre for International Relations (CIR), the Department of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and the Department of Management Studies. The event was planned to offer the students and participants insights into contemporary geopolitical scenarios and critical analysis of the United Nations within the larger discourse of international relations.

Professor Mayall underscored the attempts to control international power dynamics by introducing the Multinational Monetary Fund and World Bank. According to Prof. Mayall, the aftermath of the Cold War initially fostered hope for a truly multinational system. However, this optimism waned, he added.

Speaking about the US and the shift of power towards the US he said, "The second Gulf War saw a significant shift of power to the United States".

Furthermore, Professor Mayall expressed concerns about the emergence of authoritarianism, even in purportedly democratic nations under the guise of surveillance, and raised questions about the liberal capitalist world order. Many democratic countries have started imposing strict surveillance on people after COVID-19 in the guise of health security.

The seminar provided a platform for insightful discussions and reflections on the complexities of global power dynamics. The interaction also left the audience with a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between power, legitimacy, and the international order.

Prof. M K Ravi Varma, Chairperson of CIR and Dr. Nithya M, Head, Management Studies also spoke.

At another event, Prof. Lindsay Greer from the University of Cambridge, delivered a talk on the possibilities for exploiting the glassy state of matter for various applications in structures, medicine and information technology. The event was hosted by Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

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