Realism, Idealism and International Politics

Martin Griffiths provides a reinterpretation of the terms "realism" and "idealism" in international relations through a thorough critical examination of three key figures in international theory: Hans Morgenthau, Kenneth Waltz and Hedley Bull. Morgenthau and Waltz are traditionall regarded as the "grand threorists" of realism, but this book argues, contrary to conventional wisdom, that they could more properly be categorized as idealists. Griffiths' contention is that, in addition to imagination, nostalgia and complacency are also forms of political idealism. He argues that Morgenthau's work suffers from the shortcomings of "nostalgic idealism" and Waltz's from those of "complacent idealism." In contrast, Hedley Bull's analysis of international society is based on a more realistic understanding of world politics. This is an important book which provides a compelling basis for conceiving international politics as a "rule-governed" arena among states. It will be of great interest to scholars and students of international relations.