Realism Reconsidered: The Legacy of Hans Morgenthau in International Relations

by Michael C. Williams

Overview

Realism remains the most important and controversial vision of international politics. But what does it mean to be a realist? This collection addresses this key question by returning to the thinking of perhaps the most influential realist of modern times: Hans J. Morgenthau. In analyses of issues ranging from political philosophy, to international law, to the impact of nuclear weapons and the challenges of American foreign policy, the authors demonstrate that Morgenthau's thinking exemplifies a rich realist tradition that is often lacking in contemporary analyses of international relations and foreign policy. At a time when realism is once again at the center of both scholarly and political debates, this book shows that the legacy of classical realism can enrich our understanding of world politics and contribute to its future direction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199288625
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/06/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	9.21(w) x 6.14(h) x 0.61(d)

About the Author

Michael C. Williams is Professor in the Department of International Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. His publications include The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations (2005) and Culture and Security: Symbolic Power and the Politics of International Security (2007). He is currently completing a book (with Rita Abrahamsen) entitled Security Beyond the State: Global-Local Private Security Networks in International Politics.

Table of Contents

Introduction, Michael Williams1. Morgenthau, Agency and Aristotle, Anthony F. Lang, Jr2. 'The Twilight of International Morality'? Hans J. Morgenthau and Carl Schmitt on the end of the Jus Publicum Europaeum, Chris Brown3. Carl Schmitt and Hans Morgenthau: Realism and Beyond, William E. Scheuerman4. The Image of Law in Politics Among Nations, Oliver Jütersonke5. Realism, Tragedy and the Anti-Pelagian Imagination in International Political Thought., Nicholas Rengger6. The balance of power in Politics Among Nations, Richard Little7. Hans Morgenthau and the Cold War, Michael Cox8. Hans Morgenthau and the World State Revisited, Campbell Craig9. Morgenthau Now: Neoconservatism, National Greatness and Realism, Michael C. Williams10. Texts, Paradigms, and Political Change, Richard Ned Lebow

Editorial Reviews

"Williams and his contributors make an exciting and innovative contribution to Morgenthau scholarship.... Though there has been much work on Morgenthau and the problem of international morality, there has not been a volume that ties Morgenthau so directly into constructivist theory."—Ethics & International Affairs

From the Publisher