History and Neorealism

Description

Neorealists argue that all states aim to acquire power and that state cooperation can therefore only be temporary, based on a common opposition to a third country. This view condemns the world to endless conflict for the indefinite future. Based upon careful attention to actual historical outcomes, this book contends that, while some countries and leaders have demonstrated excessive power drives, others have essentially underplayed their power and sought less position and influence than their comparative strength might have justified. Featuring case studies from across the globe, History and Neorealism examines how states have actually acted. The authors conclude that leadership, domestic politics, and the domain (of gain or loss) in which they reside play an important role along with international factors in raising the possibility of a world in which conflict does not remain constant and, though not eliminated, can be progressively reduced.

Ernest R. May was Charles Warren Professor of History at Harvard University and a renowned historian of international relations and foreign policy. Richard Rosecrance is Adjunct Professor in the Kennedy School of Government and Director of the Project on US-Chinese Relations at the Belfer Center, Harvard University. He is also Research Professor in the Department of Political Science, UCLA. Zara Steiner is Senior Fellow of the British Academy and Emeritus Fellow of Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge.

'This book by three eminent scholars is audacious in its hope: since history shows that nations do not always obey the rules of pure power politics, a world of consent and cooperation is possible - and ever more likely. They buttress their case with a wealth of data from the American, European and Asian experience, presenting an original synthesis of history and theory that has become far too rare in the field of international relations.' Josef Joffe, Senior Fellow, Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University 'Richard Rosecrance, Zara Steiner, and the late Ernest May, along with other notable contributors from the field of international relations, have assembled a stunning and provocative attack on what they believe to be the reductionist hegemony of neorealist theory. It will unleash a terrific debate and deserves a place on every reading list in international politics.' Charles S. Maier, Leverett Saltonstall Professor of History, Harvard University 'A first rate team of scholars convincingly and overwhelming demonstrates that there is more - vastly more - to international relations that has been dreamt of in 'realist' philosophies.' John Mueller, Ohio State University