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Ethical constraints on relations among individuals within and between societies have always reflected or invoked a higher authority than the caprices of human will. For over two thousand years Natural Law and Natural Rights were the constellations of ideas and presuppositions that fulfilled this role in the west, and exhibited far greater similarities than most commentators want to admit. Such ideas were the lens through which Europeans evaluated the rest of the world. In this book the author rejects the view that Natural Rights constituted a secularization of Natural Law ideas by showing that most of the significant thinkers in the field, in their various ways, believed that reason leads you to the discovery of your obligations, while God provides the ground for discharging them. Furthermore, the book maintains that Natural Rights and Human Rights are far less closely related than is often asserted because Natural Rights never cast adrift the religious foundationalism, whereas Human Rights, for the most part, have jettisoned the Christian metaphysics upon which both Natural Law and Natural Rights depended. Human Rights theories, on the whole, present us with foundationless universal constraints on the actions of individuals, both domestically and internationally. Finally, one of the principal contentions of the book is that these purportedly universal rights and duties almost invariably turn out to be conditional, and upon close scrutiny end up being ‘special’ rights and privileges, as the examples of multicultural encounters, slavery and racism, and women's rights demonstrate.

In a troubled world where millions die at the hands of their own governments and societies, some states risk their citizens' lives, considerable portions of their national budgets, and repercussions from opposing states to protect helpless foreigners. Dozens of Canadian peacekeepers have died in Afghanistan defending humanitarian reconstruction in a shattered faraway land with no ties to their own. Each year, Sweden contributes over $3 billion to aid the world's poorest citizens and struggling democracies, asking nothing in return. Costa Rica defied U.S. power to broker a peace accord that ended civil wars in three neighbouring countries. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are alive today because they have been sheltered by one of these nations. This book looks at the reasons why and how some states promote human rights internationally, arguing that humanitarian internationalism is more than episodic altruism—it is a pattern of persistent principled politics. Human rights as a principled foreign policy defies the realist prediction of untrammeled pursuit of national interest, and suggests the utility of constructivist approaches that investigate the role of ideas, identities, and influences on state action. The author shows how a diverse set of democratic middle powers, inspired by visionary leaders and strong civil societies, came to see the linkage between their long-term interest and the common good. She concludes that state promotion of global human rights may be an option for many more members of the international community and that the international human rights regime can be strengthened at the interstate level, alongside social movement campaigns and the struggle for the democratization of global governance.

Is it possible to preserve national security through ethical policies? Richard Ned Lebow seeks to show that ethics are actually essential to the national interest. Recapturing the wisdom of classical realism through a close reading of the texts of Thucydides, Clausewitz and Hans Morgenthau, Lebow argues that, unlike many modern realists, classic realists saw close links between domestic and international politics, and between interests and ethics. Lebow uses this analysis to offer a powerful critique of post-Cold War American foreign policy. He also develops an ontological foundation for ethics and makes the case for an alternate ontology for social science based on Greek tragedy's understanding of life and politics. This is a topical and accessible book, written by a leading scholar in the field.

Universality Ethics and International Relations introduces students to the key debates about ethics in international relations theory. This book explores the reasons why grappling with universality and ethics seems to be a profound endeavour and where we end up when we do. By offering a new way of thinking about ethics in International Relations, Pin-Fat shows that there are several varieties of universality which are offered as the answer to ethics in global politics; the divine universality of Hans Morgenthau, the ideal universality of Charles R. Beitz and the binary universality of Michael Walzer.　 Taking the reader on a grammatical odyssey through each, the book concludes that profound searches for the foundations of universality can’t fulfil our deepest desires for an answer to ethics in global politics. Pin-Fat suggests that the failure of these searches reveals the ethical desirability of defending universality as (im)possible. An ideal text for use in a wide variety of courses, including ethics in international relations, international relations theory, and international political theory, this work provides a valuable new contribution to this rapidly developing field of research. Véronique Pin-Fat is senior lecturer in International Relations in the Centre for International Politics at the University of Manchester. She is co-editor of Sovereign Lives: Power in Global Politics (2004) with Jenny Edkins and Michael J. Shapiro. 'A sophisticated and refreshing argument against the metaphysical seductions of universalism in IR theory. Pin-Fat's Wittgensteinian 'grammatical reading' takes theories of international ethics back to the rough ground in ways that challenge realist, cosmopolitan and communitarian approaches.' - Kimberly Hutchings, London School of Economics, UK 'Central to critical discourses in International Relations are questions related to what constitutes the ‘universal’, how it is used in political thought, and the ways in which it relates to operations of power in global politics. Veronique Pin-Fat’s ‘grammatical’ reading is one of the most original interventions on the relationship between ethics, universality, and international politics, bringing not only Wittgenstein, but her own voice to our deliberations. This is one of the most challenging contributions to international relations theory in general and to critical thought in particular.' - Vivienne Jabri, Kings College London, UK 1. Reading Grammatically:Reading, representation and the limits of language 2. Universality as Conjunctive Solution: Ethics 'and' International Relations 3. Divine Universality: Morgenthau, alchemy and the national-interest 4. Ideal Universality: Beitz, reason and the ghost of Houdini 5. Binary Universality: Walzer, thinning the thick and fattening up the thin 6. In Defence of Universality: (Im)possible univeralism

01 02 Tragedy is an ancient plot line associated with hubris, value conflicts among actors and the propensity of our considered actions to have consequences very different from those we intend. First applied to international relations by Thucydides, the tragic vision of politics lies at the core of classical realism. In this volume, noted International Relations scholars and political theorists draw on range of sources, from Renaissance and modern tragedies to their Greek progenitors, and explore the ways in which tragedy has been variously theorized by ancient Greek commentators, modern theorists – notably nineteenth century German philosophers – and postcolonial critics. In discussions that encompass but extend well beyond classical realism, these contributors ask if tragedy is a universal trope, how – and whether – it can help us to understand contemporary international relations, the extent to which sensitivity to tragedy has the potential to reduce its likelihood, and the degree to which the lens of tragedy can help us to refocus prevalent assumptions within the discipline of International Relations. These challenging questions are addressed in the context of topical issues that range from global poverty, humanitarian intervention and the so-called 'war on terror'. 31 02 The authors explore how tragedy can help to understand contemporary IR, whether sensitivity to tragedy has the potential to reduce its likelihood and how it can help to refocus current assumptions 08 02 'This is scholarship done the \"old\" way: a polite but nonetheless raucous debate, begun in a cafe, that subsequently gains a life of its own as it spreads and catches the interest of many fine thinkers and erudite writers. The goal of this short but deep volume, to discuss how and in what ways the classical conceptions of tragedy over the millennia of philosophical musings might still be relevant and enrich readers' understanding of international relations today, is fascinating exactly because it is so almost absurdly bold: one is hard-pressed to find a similar work with a similarly humble yet grand objective. In the end it is not so much about whether or not the contributors pull off the ultimate conclusion (after all, is it really possible in the present-day academic world to ever grant a person or a group success in answering what is at its most fundamental essence a deeply profound and highly esoteric question?), but rather it is a treat to enjoy this for the intellectual journey on which it takes the reader. It is a deeply serious work worthy of high-level reflection. Summing Up: Highly recommended.' - CHOICE Review, M. D. Crosston, Bellevue University, USA 'As both rhetoric and reality, the question of tragedy remains a crucial aspect of political life and political understanding. With remarkable breadth and power, this superb volume shows why it should be central to political science and international relations today.' - Michael C. Williams, Professor in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa, Canada 'An unusual collection of stimulating essays amounting to a spirited \"conversation\" among leading scholars, which reminds us that the \"bounds of sense\" are not exhausted by \"techniques\", \"designs\", \"systems\" or \"theories\". - Friedrich Kratochwil, Professor of International Relations, European University Institute, Florence, Italy 'Erskine and Lebow bring together a world class collection of contributors to demonstrate how the theme of tragedy illuminates the ethical contours of international politics. This books makes a valuable contribution to IR theory but will resonate well beyond this audience to scholars working in cultural studies, literature and continental philosophy. This is certainly a book I will be encouraging my students to read. - Kimberly Hutchings, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science 'This is a wide-ranging collection of essays by an impressive group of established and early-career theorists.' - International Affairs 02 02 Nowhere are clashes between competing ethical perspectives more prevalent than in the realm of International Relations. Thus, understanding tragedy is directly relevant to understanding IR. This volume explores the various ways that tragedy can be used as a lens through which international relations might be brought into clearer focus. 19 02 Original discussions from esteemed academics, challenging accepted wisdom in International Relations Discusses topical issues in contemporary international politics including global poverty, human rights, humanitarian intervention and the so-called 'war on terror' Interdisciplinary investigation of tragedy covering ancient history, political theory and literature Unique structure in which contributors genuinely speak to one another and each chapter engages with, and responds to, the preceding arguments 13 02 TONI ERSKINE holds a Personal Chair in International Politics at Aberystwyth University, UK, and is currently Honorary Professor of Global Ethics at RMIT University in Melbourne and Visiting Scholar at Sydney University, Australia. RICHARD NED LEBOW James O. Freedman Presidential Professor of Government (Emeritus) at Dartmouth College, USA, and Centennial Professor of International Relations at The London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. 04 02 Introduction: Understanding Tragedy and Understanding International Relations; T.Erskine & R.N.Lebow PART I: RECOVERING THE TRAGIC DIMENSION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Tragedy, Ethics and International Relations; M.Frost Tragedy, Progress and the International Order; J.Mayall Tragedy or Skepticism? Defending the Anti-Pelagian Mind in World Politics; N.Rengger Tragedy, Politics and Political Science; R.N.Lebow PART II: TRAGEDY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AS POLITICAL THEORY Tragic Choices and Contemporary International Political Theory; C.Brown The Tragedy of Tragedy; P.Euben Tragedy and Ethical Community in World Politics; R.Beardsworth Tragedy and Political Theory: Progressivism without an Ideal; K.Stullerova PART III: ON THE NATURE OF TRAGEDY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS A Pessimism of Strength? Tragedy and Political Virtue; B.A.Schupmann Nietzsche and Questions of Tragedy, Tyranny and International Relations; T.Strong Tragedies and International Relations; C.Lu The Drama Viewed from Elsewhere; R.Shilliam Conclusion: Learning from Tragedy and Refocusing International Relations; T.Erskine & R.N.Lebow

The need to control violent and non-violent harm has been central to human existence since societies first emerged. This book analyses the problem of harm in world politics which stems from the fact that societies require the power to harm in order to defend themselves from internal and external threats, but must also control the capacity to harm so that people cannot kill, injure, humiliate or exploit others as they please. Andrew Linklater analyses writings in moral and legal philosophy that define and classify forms of harm, and discusses the ways in which different theories of international relations suggest the power to harm can be controlled so that societies can co-exist with the minimum of violent and non-violent harm. Linklater argues for new connections between the English School study of international society and Norbert Elias' analysis of civilizing processes in order to advance the study of harm in world politics.

While skepticism about the role of moral considerations in international politics has been influential within the discipline of international relations (IR), those writing on topics such as war, peace, rights and trade up until the twentieth century took seriously the importance of ethical values and moral debates. The 1990s and 2000s have seen a substantial growth of attention to the ways in which IR conceives and analyzes themes of an ethical nature, and how issues, problems and policies involving ethics are addressed by a variety of actors within the international system. This indispensable research companion widens the perspective from 'ethics and international relations' to 'ethics in international relations', redressing the (mis)perception that ethical concepts, principles, norms and rules are not in part constitutive of the international system and the agents acting within that system. Necessarily cross-disciplinary, expertise is drawn from IR and also philosophy, political theory, religious studies, history and law, making this an ideal volume for any library reference collection.

This cutting-edge volume of original essays features a diverse, international team of prominent scholars examining issues of morality and justice within a global perspective. The chapters are grouped according to an integrative design that progresses from normative principles to normative theories to normative applications. Applications chapters address current significant and provocative topics such as poverty and the global economy; global health; religion; war; and gender, identity, and family. Distinguished philosopher and volume editor Michael Boylan provides a unifying introduction to each section. In addition, an abstract and list of key words provide readers with an informative entry into each reading. An engaging resource for all students of philosophy and politics, The Morality and Global Justice Reader not only offers an essential foundation of global justice and its policy implications, but also aims to inspire readers to positive action for change.A single-authored volume by Michael Boylan, Morality and Global Justice: Justifications and Applications, is also available as a complementary or a standalone text.

Understanding Woodrow Wilson's approach to international relations requires acknowledgment of his Protestant faith. In Statecraft and Salvation, Milan Babík delivers a fresh analysis of Wilson's progressive international political thought by examining it within the broader context of the American liberal tradition. The progressive belief that the world in general, and Europe in particular, could achieve peace carried with it a secular hope and a Christian eschatological vision for the future. Babík contends that the ultimate result of this belief devolved to serve a more totalitarian agenda. Statecraft and Salvation traces Wilson's \"New Democracy\" to liberal internationalism as an effort distinctly shaped by his faith.

Once described by Trygve Lie as the \"most impossible job on earth,\" the position of UN Secretary-General is as frustratingly constrained as it is prestigious. The Secretary-General's ability to influence global affairs often depends on how the international community regards his moral authority. In relation to such moral authority, past office-holders have drawn on their own ethics and religious backgrounds-as diverse as Lutheranism, Catholicism, Buddhism, and Coptic Christianity-to guide the role that they played in addressing the UN's goals in the international arena, such as the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of human rights. InThe UN Secretary-General and Moral Authority, contributors provide case studies of all seven former secretaries-general, establishing a much-needed comparative survey of each office-holder's personal religious and moral values. From Trygve Lie's forbearance during the UN's turbulent formative years to the Nobel committee's awarding Kofi Annan and the United Nations the prize for peace in 2001, the case studies all follow the same format, first detailing the environmental and experiential factors that forged these men's ethical frameworks, then analyzing how their \"inner code\" engaged with the duties of office and the global events particular to their terms. Balanced and unbiased in its approach, this study provides valuable insight into how religious and moral leadership functions in the realm of international relations, and how the promotion of ethical values works to diffuse international tensions and improve the quality of human life around the world.