Normative Theory in International Relations: A Pragmatic Approach (Cambridge Studies in International Relations, Series Number 68)

Normative theory in international relations, as it is discussed at present in the framework of the cosmopolitan/communitarian debate, is in a condition of stasis. Cosmopolitan and communitarian positions are generally assumed to be irreconcilable, with no means available for reaching conclusions on ethical questions in world politics. This book pursues three lines of inquiry. First, it aims to examine the nature and the extent of the impasse within this debate. Second, it re-evaluates whether the cosmopolitan/communitarian dichotomy offers a complete picture of the most pressing issues at stake within normative international relations theory. The book suggests that a more refined focus on epistemology and questions of foundationalism and antifoundationalism is necessary. Third, it constructs an argument for a normative approach to international ethics which draws from the tradition of American pragmatism and is sensitive to the wider picture of concerns raised in the course of the book. Molly Cochran offers an account of the development of normative theory in international relations over the past two decades. In particular, she analyzes the tensions between cosmopolitan and communitarian approaches to international ethics, paying attention to differences in their treatments of a concept of the person, the moral standing of states and the scope of moral arguments. The book draws connections between this debate and the tension between foundationalist and antifoundationalist thinking and offers an argument for a pragmatic approach to international ethics. Molly Cochran offers an account of the development of normative theory in international relations over the past two decades. In particular, she analyses the tensions between cosmopolitan and communitarian approaches to international ethics and offers an argument for a pragmatist approach. Cosmopolitans seek to interrogate and complicate the value conferred upon sovereign states in the contemporary international system, since cosmopolitans take individuals, not states, to be the starting point for moral consideration. Normativity in international relations, as it is discussed at present in the framework of the cosmopolitan/communitarian debate, is in a condition of stasis. This book examines its development over the past two decades Molly Cochran. Revised Version Of The Author's Thesis (ph. D.)--university Of London, 1996. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 281-292) And Index.