Westphalia From Below: Humanitarian Intervention and the Myth of 1648

Westphalia From Below offers a new analysis of the Peace of Westphalia, challenging the mythical and problematic nature of the treaty and its implications for international politics. It reveals that Westphalia established an order grounded in human dignity, where sovereignty and intervention were not opposed, and has valuable connections with recent conceptions of international politics, particularly the legitimacy of intervention on humanitarian grounds.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Westphalia From Below is a groundbreaking contribution to international ethics and humanitarian intervention that delves into the historical and theoretical aspects of an often overlooked subject. By drawing on historical evidence and integrating insights from international relations (IR) theory, the book offers a fresh perspective on the lead-up to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. This new history exposes the mythical and problematic nature of the treaty, challenging the impoverished visions of this landmark agreement that continue to influence IR theory and humanitarian protection.

The book infuses IR with perspectives from the humanities, based on reconstructions of the mentalities of the Thirty Years' War. Scholars argue that the Westphalia settlement established an absolutist understanding of sovereignty as a right and a strict principle of non-intervention. However, Thomas Peak challenges this myth by demonstrating that Westphalia, in fact, established an order grounded in human dignity. Sovereignty and intervention were not opposed but rather intertwined in a way that promoted peace and security.

Peak's study is not only relevant but also refreshing. It offers a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of an important historical event that has profound implications for contemporary international politics. By challenging the dominant narratives and revealing the true legacy of Westphalia, the book provides valuable insights into the legitimacy of intervention on humanitarian grounds. It sheds light on the complex interplay between sovereignty, humanitarianism, and international law, and highlights the importance of promoting human dignity and protecting the rights and well-being of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, Westphalia From Below is a must-read for anyone interested in international ethics, humanitarian intervention, and the history of international relations. It offers a fresh perspective on an important historical event that has shaped the world we live in today. By challenging the myths and misconceptions that have persisted for centuries, the book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics of international politics and the role of human dignity in shaping our collective future.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787383920