Polite Anarchy in International Relations Theory [Hardcover]

An innovative re-evaluation of the concept of anarchy in theorizing diplomacy between states which draws on a historically sensitive re-evaluation of the ideological uses of politeness in the anarchist thought of William Godwin.Part One: ANARCHISM AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Chapter 1: Revisiting Anarchism Chapter 2: Anarchism and International Theory Part Two: WILLIAM GODWIN AND POLITE ANARCHY Chapter 3: Contesting the State in 1790s Britain Chapter 4: The Polite Anarchist Chapter 5: Godwin's International Thought Part Three: ANARCHIST INTERNATIONAL THEORY Chapter 6: Polite Anarchy and Diplomacy Chapter 7: Conclusion

Kazmi offers one of the best recent historical accounts of Godwin's political thought - David Armitage, Perspectives on Politics

Though international relations scholarship has for many years emphasised the 'anarchic' character of the international system there has been very little discussion of that political philosophy that most reflects on anarchy as a political category - anarchism. Brilliantly rectifying this gap, Zaheer Kazmi offers us a subtle and penetrating reading of the 'father of anarchism' - William Godwin - emphasising the significance of Godwin's focus on politeness, and turns what is already an innovative exercise in intellectual history into a major theoretical departure within International Relations. A superb study. - Nicholas Rengger, Professor of Political Theory and International Relations, University of St. Andrews

An innovative and significant contribution to international political theory that demonstrates the liberating possibility of anarchy. Toward this end, Kazmi mobilizes Godwin's concept of politeness and develops a constructivist account of state behavior. - Richard Ned Lebow, Professor of International Political Theory, War Studies, King's College London

Kazmi provides the first sustained analysis of William Godwin's contribution to theories of internatlÓh