The realist tradition and the limits of international relations
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The realist tradition and the limits of international relations
（Cambridge studies in international relations, 100）
Cambridge University Press, 2005
- : hardback
- : pbk
Available at 30 libraries
Note
Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-225) and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
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.
Table of Contents
- 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.
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