Commonsense and the Theory of International Politics

By John C. Garnett

Subjects: International Organizations
Paperback : 9780873958806, 153 pages, June 1985
Hardcover : 9780873958790, 153 pages, June 1985

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Description

"International politics is not a cumulative subject in which the latest book makes all the others obsolete . . . The assumption underlying these pages is that our understanding of international politics is more likely to be improved by reflecting upon and reworking what we already know about the subject, than by topping up our knowledge with either more detailed research or more contemporary analysis. . .

"Each of the chapters deals with a different aspect of international theory . . . A discerning reader may become aware of certain unifying threads running through and linking all of the chapters. They have all been written out of a conviction that explanation and not prescription is the only proper role of the political scientist; and they all reflect my skepticism about the 'scientific' nature of international politics. " — John C. Garnett

In a refreshing and clear analysis, Dr. Garnett looks at the nature of international theory and the problems associated with its development. Drawing from many disciplines, he examines fundamental questions in a new way, giving a measure of commonsense to a subject which has become complicated and esoteric. His use of analogies and quotations bring his subject alive in a study that will be of interest to those involved in both the social sciences and politics.

John C. Garnett was educated at the London School of Economics, where he obtained a first-class honours degree in international relations. He now holds the Woodrow Wilson Chair of International Politics at the University of Wales. Professor Garnett has specialized in the field of strategic studies. Among his publications are Theories of Peace and Security (editor), The Defence of Western Europe (editor) and Contemporary Strategy: Theories and Policies (joint author). Professor Garnett is a consultant to the National Defence College. He is a member of the Foreign Office Advisory Board on Arms Control and between 1978 and 1982 was a member of the UN Advisory Board on Disarmament.

Reviews

"Each of the chapters deals with a different aspect of international theory . . . A discerning reader may become aware of certain unifying threads running through and linking all of the chapters. They have all been written out of a conviction that explanation and not prescription is the only proper role of the political scientist; and they all reflect my skepticism about the 'scientific' nature of international politics. " — John C. Garnett