Reasoning of state : realists, romantics and rationality in international relations / Brian C. Rathbun.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rathbun, Brian C., 1973- author.

Series:

Cambridge studies in international relations ; 149.

Cambridge Studiess in International Relations ; 149

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Richelieu, Armand Jean du Plessis, duc de, 1585-1642.

Richelieu, Armand Jean du Plessis.

Bismarck, Otto, Fürst von, 1815-1898.

Bismarck, Otto.

Churchill, Winston, 1874-1965.

Churchill, Winston.

Reagan, Ronald.

Political realism.

International relations--Decision making.

International relations.

France--Foreign relations--1610-1643.

France.

Prussia (Germany)--Foreign relations--1815-1870.

Prussia (Germany).

Great Britain--Foreign relations--1936-1945.

Great Britain.

United States--Foreign relations--1981-1989.

United States.

Diplomatic relations.

Physical Description:

xi, 333 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, [2019]

Summary:

"Scholars and citizens tend to assume that rationality guides the decision making of our leaders. Brian Rathbun suggests, however, that if we understand rationality to be a cognitive style premised on a commitment to objectivity and active deliberation, rational leaders are, in fact, the exception - not the norm. Using a unique combination of methods, including laboratory bargaining experiments, archival-based case studies, quantitative textual analysis, and high-level interviews, Rathbun questions some of our basic assumptions about rationality and leadership, with profound implications for the field of international relations. Case studies of Bismarck and Richelieu show that the rationality of realists makes them rare. An examination of Churchill and Reagan, romantics in international politics who sought to overcome obstacles in their path through force of will and personal agency, show what less rationality looks like in foreign policy making"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

The psychology of rationality : cognitive style in international relations

The three Rʹs of international relations : realism, romanticism and rationality

Little Bismarcks : a laboratory experiment on variation in rational thinking and rational behavior

The "Prince" among men : Bismarckʹs realpolitik in Prussian politics

Cold blood and iron : Bismarck, the struggle with Austria and German unification

Blind faith : Richelieu, the devoted, and France in counter-reformation Europe

"Blood, toil, tears and sweat" : Churchill, romanticism and the rational appeasement debate

"In defeat, defiance" : Churchill in words (1935-39) and in deeds (1940)

"Beginning the world all over again" : resolving the paradox of Ronald Reagan

Winning one as the Gipper? : Reaganʹs administration and American engagement with the Soviet Union

Conclusion : the irrationality of rational choice : saving a paradigm from itself.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 310-330) and index.

ISBN:

9781108427425

1108427421

9781108446181

1108446183

OCLC:

1086411800