The Quantum Turn: How Subatomic Physics is Rewriting the Rules of Social Science and International Relations

March 30, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — There is a profound paradigm shift from classical, mechanistic, Newtonian physics toward quantum and relativistic models, and how this transition is fundamentally reshaping the social sciences, philosophy, ethics, and spirituality. Classical physics historically promoted a view of the universe as a machine composed of isolated parts, which fostered social and political models that emphasized radical individualism, rational self-interest, and conflict. In contrast, the principles of modern quantum mechanics—such as entanglement, non-locality, uncertainty, and complementarity—reveal a deeply interconnected universe. This has prompted scholars to propose a relational, holistic ontology for human society, moving away from deterministic views to recognize that human existence thrives on community and interdependence. Continue reading →