Emerging Conflicts of Principle: International Relations and the Clash between Cosmopolitanism and Republicanism(Ethics and Global Politics)

Debates over the ethics of war, economic redistribution, resource consumption and the rights and responsibilities associated with membership of a political community are just some of the major conflicts of principle identified by Thomas Kane which characterize world politics today. According to the author, debates such as these are being drawn towards increasingly polarized positions represented by strongly universalist and particularist moral and political ideologies, such as cosmopolitanism and republicanism. Kane analyzes each of these areas, identifying that the potential for ideologically-driven conflict will constitute the greatest challenge facing scholars and policy makers in the twenty-first century.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 The Return of Principle; Chapter 2 The Stillborn Consensus; Chapter 3 Republic or Cosmopolis?; Chapter 4 The Sincerity of the Cosmopolitans; Chapter 5 Opposing Camps; Chapter 6 Once and Future Battlefields; Chapter 7 Conclusion;

About the Author :
Thomas Kane is Director of the Centre for Security Studies at the University of Hull, UK.

Review :
'A thought-provoking analysis of ideology in international theory emphasising 21st century politics. Will popular efforts to blame and shame states and apportion guilt, contribute to a less violent and more just world? Kane does not foresee another cold war or clashing civilisations. Stalemate and confusion are more likely to afflict the "West" unless rationality and pragmatism are re-injected into prevailing sensibilities.' Sonja Boehmer-Christiansen, University of Hull, UK 'A ruthless exposé of states, NGOs, and environmental and anti-globalization activists, and of the intellectual undercurrents driving contemporary international politics. Thomas Kane provides a thorough, and occasionally disturbing, analysis of modes of thought too often ignored in studies of international affairs, and convincingly shows that ideological divisions retain a high importance in the post-Cold War world.' Paul Robinson, University of Ottawa, Canada 'Recommended.' Choice 'Kane dares to go beyond mere academic debates, offers a detailed and stimulating study of trends in international politics and points to often overlooked aspects, especially in political rhetoric.' Political Studies Review 'This work situates itself within a well-established tradition in international relations, namely the dichotomy tradition which emerges at each critical event that brings about changes...Overall, Thomas Kane's book takes into account perfectly the tensions between unilateralism and multilateralism, between cosmopolitanism and republicanism. The decision to take a cognitive approach has paid off.' Etudes Internationales