Reasoning of State: Realists, Romantics and Rationality in International Relations

ISBN-13: 9781108446181 / Angielski / Miękka / 2019 / 350 str.

Brian C. Rathbun (University of Southern California)

Opis

International relations scholars typically assume the rationality of foreign policy makers when in fact leaders systematically vary in the rationality of their thinking. Through case studies of leaders like Churchill and Reagan, Rathbun shows that the imposed standard of rationality, based in objectivity and deliberation, was often absent.

Recenzje

'Reasoning of State is an impressive and provocative book. It is highly original, engaging, and beautifully written. I have rarely had so much fun reading an academic study. I strongly recommend it to IR scholars in general and rational choice theorists in particular.' Robin Markwica, H-Diplo

Spis treści

Introduction: three theoretical arguments, four 'great men' of history, multiple methods, and disciplines; 1. The psychology of rationality: cognitive style in international relations; 2. The three 'r's of international relations: realism, romanticism and rationality; 3. Little Bismarcks: a laboratory experiment on variation in rational thinking and rational behavior; 4. The 'prince' among men: Bismarck's realpolitik in Prussian politics; 5. Cold blood and iron: Bismarck, the struggle with Austria and German unification; 6. Blind faith: Richelieu, the devoted, and France in counter-reformation Europe; 7. 'Blood, toil, tears and sweat': Churchill, romanticism and the rational appeasement debate; 8. 'In defeat, defiance': Churchill in words (1935–39) and in deeds (1940) with Therese Anders; 9. 'Beginning the world all over again': resolving the paradox of Ronald Reagan; 10. Winning one as the Gipper? Reagan's administration and American engagement with the Soviet Union; Conclusion: the irrationality of rational choice: saving a paradigm from itself; References; Index.