Capitalism As Civilisation: A History of International Law

This monograph combines Marxism and deconstruction to understand international law, showing how it incorporates and attempts to mediate the contradictions of capitalism as a global system of production and exchange.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This monograph stands out as a groundbreaking work that combines methodological and theoretical innovation, drawing from Marxism and deconstruction to shed new light on our understanding of international law. By approaching civilization as an argumentative pattern rooted in the distribution of rights and duties among different communities, Ntina Tzouvala offers a comprehensive analysis of its contradictory nature and pro-capitalist bias. Tzouvala demonstrates how civilization oscillates between two poles, with one emphasizing the need for non-Western polities to undergo extensive domestic reforms and embrace capitalist modernity. At the same time, another logic of biology constantly postpones this prospect, relying on notions of immutable difference. Through meticulous detailing of the tension and synergies between these two logics, Tzouvala compellingly argues that international law incorporates and strives to mediate the contradictions of capitalism as a global system of production and exchange that both homogenizes and stratifies societies, populations, and space.

This innovative approach challenges traditional perspectives on international law, which often overlook the material and textual aspects of the law. By integrating Marxist and deconstructionist theories, Tzouvala offers a fresh lens through which to analyze the complex dynamics of power, inequality, and social transformation within the international legal framework. The monograph's detailed examination of the contradictions of civilization sheds light on the ways in which international law both perpetuates and attempts to mitigate the harmful effects of capitalism on societies around the world. Tzouvala's analysis highlights the ways in which legal equality is often tied to demands for domestic reforms and the embrace of capitalist modernity, while at the same time, the logic of biology perpetuates notions of difference and inequality. By exploring the interplay between these two logics, Tzouvala provides a nuanced understanding of how international law operates as a tool for both homogenization and stratification, as well as the challenges and opportunities that arise from this complex relationship.

One of the monograph's key strengths lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Tzouvala's analysis is grounded in a deep understanding of the historical and social context in which international law operates, and she employs a range of empirical evidence to support her arguments. This approach ensures that the monograph is not merely abstract but also relevant to the real-world challenges and struggles faced by communities around the world. Moreover, Tzouvala's commitment to social justice and equality is evident throughout the monograph, as she advocates for a more inclusive and equitable international legal framework that recognizes the diverse needs and experiences of different communities.

In conclusion, this monograph is a must-read for anyone interested in international law, sociology, and political theory. By combining methodological and theoretical innovation, Tzouvala offers a groundbreaking analysis of the contradictions of civilization and the role of international law in perpetuating and mediating these contradictions. The monograph's insights into the complex dynamics of power, inequality, and social transformation within the international legal framework are invaluable, and its commitment to social justice and equality makes it a powerful tool for promoting a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108497183