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More Revisions in Realism

Author

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  • Giulio M Gallarotti

    (Professor of Government, John Andrus Centre for Public Affairs, College of Social Studies, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut 06441, USA. E-mail: ggallarotti@wesleyan.edu)

Abstract

Thomas Hobbes is regarded as a major intellectual precursor of realist theory. Such veneration has brought about ample reactions from various scholars who aver that the use of Hobbes'vision of anarchy as an analogy for building greater theories of international relations is problematic at best. Yet, while such critiques of the realist analogy have been abundant, they have devoted scant attention to important passages in the Leviathan (that is, the tale of the fool in Chapter 15) that would produce greater clarity about Hobbes' logic regarding the state of nature. Indeed, a careful textual analysis of the tale of the fool demonstrates that as an analogy for a state of war (that is, as an environment devoid of cooperation) Hobbes' vision of anarchy is even more problematic than what previous critiques suggest. The tale strongly re-inforces critical scholarship that embraces ample opportunities for cooperation (covenants) in a Hobbesian state of nature (that is, without a Leviathan to impose order). The precise Hobbesian logic evident in this tale, in fact, reflects both strong neoliberal and constructivist elements in what many would consider a least-likely place: in Hobbes' vision of anarchy. So while Hobbes has been hailed as the first early modern realist, he could also be cited as the first early modern neoliberal and constructivist. In this respect, Hobbes' own synthesis of elements of realism, constructivism and neoliberalism holds much promise for inspiring a new and more sophisticated vision of international relations: Cosmopolitik.

Suggested Citation

  • Giulio M Gallarotti, 2008. "More Revisions in Realism," International Studies, , vol. 45(3), pages 167-192, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:intstu:v:45:y:2008:i:3:p:167-192
    DOI: 10.1177/002088170904500301
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Williams, Michael C., 1996. "Hobbes and international relations: a reconsideration," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 50(2), pages 213-236, April.
    2. Ashley, Richard K., 1984. "The poverty of neorealism," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 38(02), pages 225-286, March.
    3. Wendt, Alexander, 1992. "Anarchy is what states make of it: the social construction of power politics," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 46(2), pages 391-425, April.
    4. Gerring, John, 2004. "What Is a Case Study and What Is It Good for?," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 98(2), pages 341-354, May.
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