The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations

Erscheinungsjahr 2005
ISBN: 978-0-521-82752-2
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, Band 100, 254 Seiten, Format (B × H): 157 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 571 g

Reihe: Cambridge Studies in International Relations

Realism is commonly portrayed as theory that reduces international relations to pure power politics. Michael Williams provides an important reexamination of the Realist tradition and its relevance for contemporary international relations. Examining three thinkers commonly invoked as Realism's foremost proponents - Hobbes, Rousseau, and Morgenthau - the book shows that, far from advocating a crude realpolitik, Realism's most famous classical proponents actually stressed the need for a restrained exercise of power and a politics with ethics at its core. These ideas are more relevant than ever at a time when the nature of responsible responses to international problems are at the centre of contemporary political debate. This original interpretation of major thinkers will interest scholars of international relations and the history of ideas.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Williams, Michael C.

Smith, Steve

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Politische Theorie, Politische Philosophie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Internationale Beziehungen
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Sozialphilosophie, Politische Philosophie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction; 1. Sceptical states: Hobbes; 2. Rousseau, realism and realpolitik; 3. Hans Morgenthau and the historical construction of realism; 4. The tyranny of false polarities; 5. The ethic of responsibility.

Über Autor(innen)

Williams, Michael C.
Michael C. Williams is Senior Lecturer in the Department of International Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He has published widely in both International Relations theory and security studies, including articles in International Organization and International Studies Quarterly.