International Relations and Political Philosophy

The book "Martin Wight: An Intellectual History of International Relations" collects works by the late Professor Martin Wight, a historian and scholar of international relations. He is widely regarded as an intellectual ancestor and path-breaker of the English School of international relations, which is more rooted in historical and humanistic learning than in the social sciences. The volume includes previously unpublished works on international legitimacy and the causes of war, as well as classic essays such as "Why Is There No International Theory?" and "Western Values in International Relations."

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The book "The Legacy of Martin Wight: An Intellectual History of International Relations" is a comprehensive collection of works by the late Professor Martin Wight (1913-1972), a renowned historian and scholar of international relations. Wight's extensive research covered various topics, including British colonial history, European studies, international institutions, and the history and sociology of states-systems. However, his most significant contributions were in the field of political philosophy of international relations, where he taught at the London School of Economics (1949-1961) and the University of Sussex (1961-1972).

Wight is widely regarded as an intellectual ancestor and a trailblazer of the English School of international relations. The term "English School" gained currency nine years after his death, but his achievements align with the broad definition of this school. The book is organized into four categories:

Traditions of Thinking About International Relations Since the Sixteenth Century: This section includes classic essays by Wight, such as "Why Is There No International Theory?" and "Western Values in International Relations," which complement his posthumous 1991 book "International Theory: The Three Traditions."

The Causes and Functions of War: Wight's analysis of the causes and functions of war builds on the works of Thucydides and Hobbes. He explores the historical and social factors that contribute to war, as well as the strategies employed by states to prevent and manage conflict.

International and Regime Legitimacy: Wight's work on international legitimacy examines the evolution of thinking from dynastic to popular approaches. He explores the factors that determine the legitimacy of international institutions and regimes, and the challenges faced by these institutions in maintaining their authority.

Fortune and Irony in International Politics: This section includes previously unpublished works on international legitimacy and the causes of war. Wight's analysis of fortune and irony in international politics sheds light on the unpredictable and often paradoxical nature of international relations.

The book provides a valuable insight into the thought of Martin Wight, one of the most influential scholars of international relations in the 20th century. It offers a comprehensive examination of the historical, social, and political factors that shape international relations, and it highlights Wight's contributions to the field. Whether you are a student of international relations, a scholar, or simply interested in understanding the complex dynamics of global politics, "The Legacy of Martin Wight: An Intellectual History of International Relations" is a must-read.

Weight: 698g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198848219