The War Over Perpetual Peace : An Exploration Into the History of a Foundational International Relations Text

This book examines the various competing interpretations of Kant's foundational Perpetual Peace since its initial publication in the late eighteenth-century. According to Easley's analysis, there are two patterns of interpretations: 1) the text endorses peace proposals above the state level, 2) the text is in favour of peace proposals at the state level. The principal explanation for these two patterns resides in the rise and fall of hopes for peace through international organizations. It can also be attributed to the rise in the number of liberal states over time. Eric Easley provides a comprehensive historical background and analytical framework for understanding Perpetual Peace, allowing scholars of international relations to better understand and appreciate its complex meaning and see beyond the conventionally accepted interpretations of the day. Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction: The Perpetual Peace....Pages 1-6 Front Matter....Pages 7-7 The Textual Hooks of Interpretations....Pages 9-22 Front Matter....Pages 23-23 Pattern One, Phase One: Reining in State Sovereignty....Pages 25-34 Pattern One, Phase Two: Sovereignty Curbed....Pages 35-45 Front Matter....Pages 47-47 Pattern Two, Phase One: In Defense of State Sovereignty....Pages 49-71 Pattern Two, Phase Two: State Sovereignty Preserved I....Pages 73-85 Pattern Two, Phase Two: State Sovereignty Preserved II....Pages 87-109 Pattern Two, Phase Two: State Sovereignty Preserved III....Pages 111-124 Front Matter....Pages 125-125 Pattern Formation as a Function of the Rise and Decline of Hopes for Peace Through International Organization....Pages 127-149 From the Turmoil of International Anarchy to the Calm of the Liberal Peace....Pages 151-162 Epilogue....Pages 163-167 Back Matter....Pages 169-228 This book examines the various competing interpretations of Kant's foundational Perpetual Peace since its initial publication in the late eighteenth century. According to Easley's analysis, there are two patterns of interpretations: first, the text endorses peace proposals above the state level and second, the text is in favor of peace proposals at the state level. Eric Easley provides a comprehensive historical background and analytical framework for understanding Perpetual Peace, allowing scholars of international relations to better understand and appreciate its complex meaning and see beyond the conventionally accepted interpretations of the day