Heart and Soul for World Politics: Advaita monism and daoist trialectics in IR

Abstract

Westphalian international relations (IR) entrenches us in dichotomized deadlocks like 'China' versus the 'West'. To break out, we need to emancipate IR spiritually, not just analytically, politically, or even ethically. By this, I mean an open mind and heart when encountering difference through others. Epistemic compassion epitomizes this process. Two pre- Westphalian traditions provide a means and an example: advaita monism and daoist trialectics.