The colonising ethic and modern international society : a reconstruction of the Grotian tradition of international theory
This thesis develops a new ideal type of modern international society by exploring the affinities between certain solidarist features of the order that exists in contemporary world politics and the 'colonising ethic'. The purpose of this analysis is to reconstruct the Grotian tradition of international theory, by challenging Hedley Bull's representation of modern international society as an anarchical society of states, which has contributed to the view that the solidarist elements of Grotian thought are nostalgic 'neo-medievalism' or utopian prescriptions for the future. Bull's description of modern international society has three principal components; an absolutist interpretation of Hugo Grotius's international political theory; a 'Westphalian' account of the origins of modern international society; and an account of the expansion of international society through the imposition of the 'standard of civilisation' on non-European states. The thesis develops a different ideal type of modern international society by reappraising these elements of Bull's argument. It offers a non-absolutist interpretation of Grotius's conception of the law of nations, highlighting his ideas of appropriation and divisible sovereignty.
Keene, Edward
Philosophy
The colonising ethic and modern international society : a reconstruction of the Grotian tradition of international theory. This thesis develops a new ideal type of modern international society by exploring the affinities between certain solidarist features of the order that exists in contemporary world politics and the 'colonising ethic'. The purpose of this analysis is to reconstruct the Grotian tradition of international theory, by challenging Hedley Bull's representation of modern international society as an anarchical society of states, which has contributed to the view that the solidarist elements of Grotian thought are nostalgic 'neo-medievalism' or utopian prescriptions for the future. Bull's description of modern international society has three principal components; an absolutist interpretation of Hugo Grotius's international political theory; a 'Westphalian' account of the origins of modern international society; and an account of the expansion of international society through the imposition of the 'standard of civilisation' on non-European states. The thesis develops a different ideal type of modern international society by reappraising these elements of Bull's argument. It offers a non-absolutist interpretation of Grotius's conception of the law of nations, highlighting his ideas of appropriation and divisible sovereignty.
colonise ethic modern international society reconstruction tradition international theory develop_new ideal_type modern international society explore affinity certain feature order exists contemporary world politics ethic purpose analysis reconstruct tradition international theory challenge bull representation modern international society society state contribute view element think neo utopian prescription future bull description modern international society three_principal component absolutist interpretation hugo_grotius international political_theory account origins modern international society account expansion international society imposition standard civilisation non_european state develops different ideal_type modern international society reappraise element bull argument offer non absolutist interpretation conception law nation highlight idea appropriation sovereignty