Abstract
‘Political theory’ is a phrase that in general requires no explanation. It is used here to denote speculation about the state, which is its traditional meaning from Plato onwards. On the other hand, the phrase ‘international theory’ does require explanation. At first hearing, it is likely to be taken as meaning either the methodology of the study of international relations, or some conceptual system which offers a unified explanation of international phenomena — ‘the theory of international relations.’ In this paper neither of these is intended. By ‘international theory’ is meant a tradition of speculation about relations between states, a tradition imagined as the twin of speculation about the state to which the name ‘political theory’ is appropriated. And international theory in this sense does not, at first sight, exist.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call