The realist tradition and the limits of international relations / Michael C. Williams.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Williams, Michael C. (Michael Charles), 1960- author.

Series:

Cambridge studies in international relations ; 100.

Cambridge studies in international relations ; 100

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

International relations--Philosophy.

International relations.

Realism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (ix, 236 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Other Title:

The Realist Tradition & the Limits of International Relations

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Sceptical states: Hobbes

Rousseau, realism and realpolitik

Hans Morgenthau and the historical construction of realism

The tyranny of false polarities

The ethic of responsibility.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-225) and index.

ISBN:

1-107-13829-9

9786610421602

9780511081103

9780521827523

1-280-42160-6

0-511-17108-0

0-511-08110-3

0-511-19671-7

0-511-32665-3

0-511-49177-8

0-511-08034-4

OCLC:

229926192