The War Over Perpetual Peace: An Exploration into the History of a Foundational International Relations Text (The Palgrave Macmillan History of International Thought)

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. The War Over Perpetual Peace Explores The History Of Kant's Most Celebrated Treatise, Tracing The Competing Interpretations Of It That Scholars Have Offered Over The Last Two Hundred Years. Easley Demonstrates The Existence Of Two Distinct Patterns Of Interpretation That Have Existed In The Literature Since The Mid-nineteenth Century: First, That The Text Endorses Peace Proposals Above The State Level, And Second, That The Text Is In Favor Of Peace Proposals At The State Level.--jacket. Introduction : The Perpetual Peace -- Pt. 1. Kant's Perpetual Peace : An Introduction To The Text, Interpretations, And Patterns -- Ch. 1. The Textual Hooks Of Interpretations -- Pt. 2. The Articles Of Perpetual Peace : Peace Proposals Above The State Level -- Ch. 2. Pattern One, Phase One : Reining In State Sovereignty -- Ch. 3. Pattern One, Phase Two : Sovereignty Curbed -- Pt. 3. The Articles Of Perpetual Peace : Peace Proposals At The State Level -- Ch. 4. Pattern Two, Phase One : In Defense Of State Sovereignty -- Ch. 5. Pattern Two, Phase Two : State Sovereignty Preserved I -- Ch. 6. Pattern Two, Phase Two : State Sovereignty Preserved Ii -- Ch. 7. Pattern Two, Phase Two : State Sovereignty Preserved Iii. Eric S. Easley. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [209]-219) And Index.

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.

The object of chapter 1 is to introduce the reader to the text of Perpetual Peace.