Del i serien SUNY series in Global Politics

What Moves Man

The Realist Theory of International Relations and Its Judgment of Human Nature

Inbunden, Engelska, 2003

1 379 kr

Tillfälligt slut

A critical look at the image of human nature that underlies the realist theory of international relations.The realist theory of international relations is based on a particularly gloomy set of assumptions about universal human motives. Believing people to be essentially asocial, selfish, and untrustworthy, realism counsels a politics of distrust and competition in the international arena. What Moves Man subjects realism to a broad and deep critique. Freyberg-Inan argues, first, that realist psychology is incomplete and suffers from a pessimistic bias. Second, she explains how this bias systematically undermines both realist scholarship and efforts to promote international cooperation and peace. Third, she argues that realism's bias has a tendency to function as a self-fulfilling prophecy: it nurtures and promotes the very behaviors it assumes predominate human nature. Freyberg-Inan concludes by suggesting how a broader and more complex view of human motivation would deliver more complete explanations of international behavior, reduce the risk of bias, and better promote practical progress in the conduct of international affairs.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2003-11-20
Mått152 x 229 x 41 mm
Vikt476 g
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
SerieSUNY series in Global Politics
Antal sidor272
FörlagState University of New York Press
ISBN9780791458273

Tillhör följande kategorier

Filosofiska discipliner inom Filosofi och religion

1. Introduction Exploring the Realist Image of ManMain ArgumentsApproach and Layout of This BookWhy is This Study Important? Part I: What Moves Man? An Analysis of the Realist Psychology 2. The Roots of Realism IntroductionThe Roots of Realism in the History of ThucydidesAlternatives to Realism in the History of ThucydidesSummary and Conclusions 3. Realism Goes Modern IntroductionNiccolo MachiavelliThomas HobbesSummary and Conclusions 4. Realism Today Introduction"Classical" Realism in the Twentieth CenturyNeorealism and BeyondRational Choice and Game TheorySummary and Conclusions 5. Realist Man through the Ages: A Synopsis The Realist Image of ManThe Role of Motivational Assumptions in Realist TheoryThe Effects of the Realist Use of Motivational Assumptions Part II: Sunglasses at Night: A Critique of the Realist Psychology 6. What Is Wrong with the Realist Psychology? The Incompleteness of Realist Motivational AssumptionsThe Bias of Realist Motivational AssumptionsRealist Defenses 7. The Effects of the Realist Bias How Biased Assumptions Produce Biased InterpretationsHow Biased Interpretations Affect Realist ScholarshipHow Theoretical Biases Affect RealityHow the Realist Bias Affects International Politics 8. A Self-Fulfilling Prophesy? The Problem of the Self-Fulfilling ProphesyThe Prophetic Status of the Realist ParadigmConcluding Observations 9. Conclusion: Great Debates and Small Suggestions Realism—Where Do We Go from Here?Complementary Motivational Assumptions in International Relations TheoryTranscending the Third Debate Appendix: Biographical Notes on Authors of Classical Realism Notes Bibliography Index