Two perspectives on the problem of peaceful coexistence: John Gray's modus vivendi and David Mitrany's functionalism

Robert Gabriel Ciobanu

Chapter 3 in Governing Differences, 2025, pp 74-93 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter provides a comparative analysis of the political theories of John Gray and David Mitrany, aiming to shed new light on their complementary systems of ideas and explore their approaches as governance solutions that engage with the reality of value pluralism. The central argument is that while both Gray and Mitrany are considered liberal, they represent a more peripheral strain of liberalism that rejects the possibility of political consensus. They argue that political theory should focus on the process of crafting institutions suited to specific social and political contexts, rather than pursuing ideal theory. Since consensus is unattainable, institutional solutions are seen as contingently and temporary valid. The chapter begins by examining Gray's modus vivendi paradigm and its implications for peaceful coexistence. It then explores Mitrany's functionalism and its governance implications. Finally, the chapter compares these approaches, highlighting their contributions to the debate on governance in the context of value pluralism and social diversity.

Keywords: Liberalism; Functionalism; Modus vivendi; Governance; Institutions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035348572
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