The author argues for a revised conception of international relations that acknowledges the irreconcilability of realist and idealist theories, and concerns itself instead with important substantive issues.

First published in 1992. Martin Griffiths' book provides a reinterpretation of the terms 'realism' and 'idealism' in international relations, and a thorough critical examination of three key figures in international theory: Hane Morgenthau, Kenneth Waltz and Hedley Bull. This is an important book proving a compelling basis for conceiving international politics as a 'rule-governed' arena among states. It will be of great interest to scholars and students of international relations.

The author argues for a revised conception of international relations that acknowledges the irreconcilability of realist and idealist theories, and concerns itself instead with important substantive issues.

1. The realist tradition

Forfatterens mål med denne bog er: 1) Analyse af de gældende teorier for international politik og hvad der heri er lagt størst vægt på. 2) Konstruktion af en teori for international politik som kan kan råde bod på de mangler, der er i de nu gældende. 3) Afprøvning af den rekonstruerede teori på faktiske hændelsesforløb.

Challenges the assumption of the rationality of foreign policy makers in international relations, showing how leaders systematically vary in the rationality of their thinking.