Michael C. Williams is Senior Lecturer in the Department of International Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He has published widely in both International Relations theory and security studies, including articles in International Organization and International Studies Quarterly.

• Introduction; 1. Sceptical states: Hobbes; 2. Rousseau, realism and realpolitik; 3. Hans Morgenthau and the historical construction of realism; 4. The tyranny of false polarities; 5. The ethic of responsibility.

''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

Michael C. Williams is Senior Lecturer in the Department of International Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He has published widely in both International Relations theory and security studies, including articles in International Organization and International Studies Quarterly.

• Introduction; 1. Sceptical states: Hobbes; 2. Rousseau, realism and realpolitik; 3. Hans Morgenthau and the historical construction of realism; 4. The tyranny of false polarities; 5. The ethic of responsibility.

''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

Michael C. Williams is Senior Lecturer in the Department of International Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. He has published widely in both International Relations theory and security studies, including articles in International Organization and International Studies Quarterly.

• Introduction; 1. Sceptical states: Hobbes; 2. Rousseau, realism and realpolitik; 3. Hans Morgenthau and the historical construction of realism; 4. The tyranny of false polarities; 5. The ethic of responsibility.

''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