Quantum Entanglement as Critical Theory

Post-structuralist philosophical and theoretical debates surrounding the interpretation of quantum mechanics often focus on the ways in which quantum mechanics challenges traditional conceptions of reality and knowledge. One of the main themes in post-structuralist thought is the idea that reality is not objective and fixed, but rather is constructed through language and discourse. This idea is relevant to the interpretation of quantum mechanics because quantum mechanics challenges traditional notions of objectivity and determinacy in physics. In particular, the uncertainty principle, which states that the more precisely one measures the position of a particle, the less precisely one can measure its momentum, suggests that there is an inherent indeterminacy at the heart of the physical world. Post-structuralist theorists have also drawn attention to the role of the observer in quantum mechanics. According to the Copenhagen interpretation, the observer plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a quantum measurement. Post-structuralist theorists have argued that this highlights the subjective nature of knowledge and the constructed nature of reality. They argue that the observer is not a neutral observer of a pre-existing reality, but rather participates in the construction of reality through their observations and measurements. Another theme in post-structuralist thought is the idea of the "infinite deferral of meaning." This idea suggests that meaning is never fixed or stable, but is always subject to reinterpretation and re-contextualisation. This idea is relevant to quantum mechanics because the interpretation of the wave function, which describes the state of a quantum system, is subject to ongoing debate and reinterpretation.

These concepts have the potential to change the way we understand the study of international politics and society more generally, by offering new insights into the fundamental nature of reality and the ways in which complex systems behave. One of the key insights is the idea of entanglement, which refers to the phenomenon where two or more particles can become correlated in such a way that their properties are intrinsically linked, regardless of the distance between them. Entanglement occurs when two or more particles interact with each other, causing them to become entangled. When particles are entangled, their properties are no longer described by separate states but rather by a joint state that describes the entire system. This joint state cannot be decomposed into separate states for each particle, meaning that the properties of each particle are intrinsically linked to the properties of the other particles. It suggests that particles can become linked in ways that go beyond our classical understanding of cause and effect, and that the properties of a system cannot always be understood by looking at its individual parts in isolation. For example, two entangled particles might have opposite spin directions, so that when one particle is measured and found to have spin up, the other particle is guaranteed to have spin down, even if the two particles are separated by a large distance. This effect is sometimes called "spooky action at a distance" and has been experimentally verified in many different contexts.

This concept of entanglement has been applied to the study of complex systems in fields such as ecology, economics, and politics. In the field of international relations, the concept of entanglement could be used to describe the complex web of relationships between different states, international organisations, and non-state actors. Just as particles in a state of entanglement are linked regardless of distance, states and other actors in the international system can be linked through a variety of mechanisms, such as trade relationships, military alliances, and shared cultural norms. These links can have both positive and negative effects on the behaviour of different actors in the system. For example, a trade relationship between two countries can be seen as a form of entanglement, where the economic well-being of one country is linked to that of the other. A military alliance between two countries can also be seen as a form of entanglement, where the security of one country is linked to the security of the other. By understanding the nature of these entanglements, we may be better able to predict the behaviour of different actors in the international system and to design policies that promote cooperation and stability.

Another concept from quantum physics that has been applied to the study of society and politics is the idea of uncertainty. In quantum mechanics, the uncertainty principle states that the more precisely one measures a particle's position, the less precisely one can measure its momentum, and vice versa. This concept of uncertainty could be applied to the study of politics and society to highlight the limitations of our ability to predict human behaviour and to suggest new ways of thinking about decision-making and risk management. Quantum thinking can help to change our understanding of global politics by challenging some of these assumptions about what is 'real.' In particular, the concept of entanglement in quantum mechanics suggests that the boundaries between different entities and systems are not always clear-cut, and that the actions of one entity can have ripple effects that extend far beyond its immediate sphere of influence. In this sense, the 'reality' of states is contingent on their relationships with other actors in the global system, and cannot be understood in isolation. Similarly, the concept of entanglement can help us to understand the interconnectedness of different systems and phenomena in global politics, such as the relationship between the environment, economic growth, and social stability.

Overall, entanglement offers a unique (and critical!) perspective on the ways in which scientific advancements and the entanglement of actors in the international system can shape the behaviour of different nations and political systems. This can help us to better understand the complex web of relationships and interactions between different actors in the international system, as well as the potential for unintended consequences and unintended escalation of conflicts. By understanding the nature of these entanglements, policymakers may be better able to predict the behaviour of different actors in the international system and to design policies that promote cooperation and stability.

Image courtesy of Pablo Carlos Budassi via Wikimedia Commons, © 2022, some rights reserved.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the wider St Andrews Foreign Affairs Review team.