The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations

Michael C Williams author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:6th Jan '05

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The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations cover

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.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 C. Williams'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

ISBN: 9780521534758

Dimensions: 228mm x 155mm x 15mm

Weight: 380g

254 pages