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Hobbes and international relations: a reconsideration

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  • Williams, Michael C.

Abstract

Hobbes has long been a central figure in the theory of international relations. He has also been a badly misunderstood one. While often invoked to support contemporary theories of international politics, Hobbes's thinking actually challenges rational-choice theories, the structural realism of Kenneth Waltz, and the “rationalist” approach of the English school. Indeed, the skeptical foundations of his political vision place him closer to contemporary postpositivist positions, though here, too, his views raise difficult and important questions for such a stance. In general, Hobbes's theory of international relations focuses not upon the determinations of anarchy in any conventional sense but upon issues of knowledge, ideology, and legitimacy in the construction of political orders both domestically and internationally.

Suggested Citation

  • Williams, Michael C., 1996. "Hobbes and international relations: a reconsideration," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 50(2), pages 213-236, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:intorg:v:50:y:1996:i:02:p:213-236_02
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    Cited by:

    1. Giulio M Gallarotti, 2008. "More Revisions in Realism," International Studies, , vol. 45(3), pages 167-192, July.
    2. Seon-U JI & Song Soo LIM, 2018. "An empirical analysis of the determinants of agricultural official development assistance," Agricultural Economics, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 64(5), pages 206-215.

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