The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations [Paperback]

An important reexamination of the Realist tradition and its relevance for contemporary international relations.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.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.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.Introduction; 1. Sceptical states: Hobbes; 2. Rousseau, realism and realpolitik; 3. Hans Morgenthau and the historical construction of realism;ls8