2/08/2006
Lebow: Tragedy
Richard Ned Lebow: The Tragic Vision of Politics: Ethics, Interests and Orders
Paperback: 424 pages
Publisher: Cambridge University Press 2003
ISBN: 0521534852
Political realism is usually viewed as an unethical discipline contrasting idealism. Lebow argues that the wisdom of classical realism - it's understanding of tragedy - makes realism in essence an ethical approach to international relations.
Beside the everpowerful descriptive element of realism, it's holistic, normative element is even more important in understanding the complex world of IR.
Lebow uses works of Thucydides, von Clausewitz and Hans J. Morgenthau in showing the symbiotic relation between power and justice, interests and ethics. Lebow criticizes the overemphasis of rationalism and positivism by contemporary realists and stresses the conventions of the epoch, morality of the age, sense of community, in which motives such as fear and honor (emotions) dominate the formulation of state actor interests.
It is impossible to define national interests without values. Justice provides a sensible framework for formulating interests.
Lebow analyzes the texts with admirable prudence and relates the old answers to new questions. Lebow argues for a more humane US foreign policy. In his opinion the worst enemy of the sole superpower lies in itself.
Richard Ned Lebow: The Tragic Vision of Politics: Ethics, Interests and OrdersPaperback: 424 pages
Publisher: Cambridge University Press 2003
ISBN: 0521534852
Political realism is usually viewed as an unethical discipline contrasting idealism. Lebow argues that the wisdom of classical realism - it's understanding of tragedy - makes realism in essence an ethical approach to international relations.
Beside the everpowerful descriptive element of realism, it's holistic, normative element is even more important in understanding the complex world of IR.
Lebow uses works of Thucydides, von Clausewitz and Hans J. Morgenthau in showing the symbiotic relation between power and justice, interests and ethics. Lebow criticizes the overemphasis of rationalism and positivism by contemporary realists and stresses the conventions of the epoch, morality of the age, sense of community, in which motives such as fear and honor (emotions) dominate the formulation of state actor interests.
It is impossible to define national interests without values. Justice provides a sensible framework for formulating interests.
Lebow analyzes the texts with admirable prudence and relates the old answers to new questions. Lebow argues for a more humane US foreign policy. In his opinion the worst enemy of the sole superpower lies in itself.
"Classical realism is an expression of the tragic understanding of politics, and of life more generally." (p.63)Second opinion: Catherine Lu / Carnegie Council ¶ 2/08/2006 09:00:00 ip.
