The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations by Michael C Williams

The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations by Michael C Williams

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Summary

The definition of realism is often debated by students of international politics. Michael Williams offers an important re-interpretation of thinkers such as Rousseau, Hobbes and Morgenthau arguing that contemporary realism is at odds with their central concerns. This book will interest scholars of international relations and the history of ideas.

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The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations by Michael C Williams

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.
''If we needed any more evidence of realism's resurgence in the field of International Relations, then Michael CWilliams's original and thought-provoking book on the realist tradition should serve as the final testament … This is a book that all realists and their critics should ponder.' International Affairs
'This book makes an important contribution to recent efforts to reinterpret realism.' Political Studies Review
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.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780521534758
ISBN 10 0521534755
Title The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations
Author Michael C Williams
Series Cambridge Studies In International Relations
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Year published 2005-01-06
Number of pages 254
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.