Kant's International Relations: The Political Theology of Perpetual Peace

Seán Molloy argues that Kant's texts on international politics cannot be fully understood without reference to his wider philosophical projects, particularly the role that belief in God plays within critical philosophy and Kant's inquiries into anthropology, politics, and theology. Molloy's broader view reveals the political-theological dimensions of Kant's thought as directly related to his attempts to find a new basis for metaphysics in the sacrifice of knowledge to make room for faith. This book will generate controversy and challenge the understanding of Kant as the forefather of Cosmopolitanism and Democratic Peace Theory in IR.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2019
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

In his renowned works on international politics, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) frequently references God and Providence. This comprehensive study by Seán Molloy suggests that to fully comprehend Kant's ideas, particularly in texts like Idea for a Universal History with Cosmopolitan Intent and Toward Perpetual Peace, one must consider his broader philosophical projects, particularly the significance of belief in God within critical philosophy and Kant's inquiries into anthropology, politics, and theology. Molloy's broader perspective unveils the political-theological dimensions of Kant's thought, which are intricately linked to his efforts to establish a new foundation for metaphysics through the sacrifice of knowledge in favor of faith. This book is bound to spark controversy, challenging the prevailing interpretation of Kant as the preeminent theorist in International Relations (IR). He is widely celebrated for his contributions to Cosmopolitanism and Democratic Peace Theory, often regarded as the pioneers of these concepts. However, Molloy argues that this understanding of Kant is incomplete and misleading, stemming from misinterpretations, neglect of specific texts, and a failure to acknowledge Kant's complex ambivalences and ambiguities. By delving into Kant's writings, Molloy compels devotees of Cosmopolitanism and other Kantian schools of thought in IR to critically reassess their relationship with their supposed forebear. Ultimately, they may be compelled to seek alternative philosophical origins or find ways to reconcile the intricacy and decidedly nonsecular aspects of Kant's ideas with their own beliefs.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472037391