Conceptualising Functional Disorder in Global Politics

Disorder in the international system must be redefined beyond the traditional conceptualisation of the breakdown of the existing order. Disorder must be viewed as a strategic instrument used by states and Violent Non-State Actors (VNSA) to remain relevant and foment instability and uncertainty, thereby continuing to exercise their authority and advance their objectives. Despite the portrayal of disorder in global politics and the international system as the systematic failure or disintegration of global governance, this research paper underscores that it is instead a strategic instrument used by states and VNSA alike to further their influence, overcome asymmetry, and reconceptualise the balance of power and its distribution. The concept of functional disorder has been presented as an alternative conceptual framework to assess how weaponisation of instability and disorder enables the management and transformation of international order across institutional frameworks, diplomatic engagements, and conflicts between state actors on the one side and states and VNSA on the other.