Friendship in International Relations and a Homegrown Perspective: Lessons from Sa’di

The emergence of critical approaches and revival of normative perspectives in the 1980s 1990s have led to vivid discussions on friendship in international relations which can even gain more momentum by what is called “emotional turn” in social sciences. Yet almost all debates in this regard are inspired by Western history and Euro-centric theories and conceptualizations. In an attempt to introduce non-western ideas and perspectives that may inspire new conceptualization and theorizing in IR, this article seeks to show how Sa’di's work can contribute to present debates about friendship in IR. Although Sa’di, the Iranian poet of the 13th century, is recognized as a non-political moral thinker and the points he raises about friendship are mostly about inter-individual interactions, our reading suggests that his ideas on friendship can contribute to current debates in IR. In his discussion on friendship he sees a variety of friendly relationships. One may find ‘realistic’ instrumental or at least conservative friendship to unilateral forgiveness that may remove hostility. He also emphasizes non-violent relations and tolerance of difference that may have significant implications for international relations. Furthermore the importance of practices and interactions in changing enmity to friendship can be recognized in Sa’di’s work.