The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations (Cambridge Studies in International Relations, Series Number 100) - Hardcover

Williams, Michael C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521827523 ISBN 13: 9780521827522

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2005

Synopsis

Although thinkers such as Thucydides, Rousseau and Hobbes are considered central to the realist tradition, Michael Williams re-evaluates their positions. Arguing that such philosophers were not concerned with methodological issues of rationality and anarchy, as commonly interpreted, Williams asserts that they wanted to establish political practices for leaders which would ensure order. His original interpretation of major thinkers will interest scholars of international relations and the history of ideas.

About this title

Book Description

The definition of realism is often debated by students of international politics. Thinkers such as Thucydides, Rousseau and Hobbes are claimed as central to the realist tradition, but in this book Michael Williams re-evaluates their positions. He argues that such thinkers were not concerned with methodological issues of rationality and anarchy, as commonly interpreted by contemporary realist scholars. Rather, they wanted to establish political practices for leaders which would ensure order. This original interpretation of major thinkers will interest scholars of international relations and the history of ideas.

About the Author

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0521827523
• ISBN 13: 9780521827522
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256