Before Anarchy: Hobbes and his Critics in Modern International Thought

by Theodore Christov

Overview

How did the 'Hobbesian state of nature' and the 'discourse of anarchy' - separated by three centuries - come to be seen as virtually synonymous? Before Anarchy offers a novel account of Hobbes's interpersonal and international state of nature and rejects two dominant views. In one, international relations is a warlike Hobbesian anarchy, and in the other, state sovereignty eradicates the state of nature. In combining the contextualist method in the history of political thought and the historiographical method in international relations theory, Before Anarchy traces Hobbes's analogy between natural men and sovereign states and its reception by Pufendorf, Rousseau and Vattel in showing their intellectual convergence with Hobbes. Far from defending a 'realist' international theory, the leading political thinkers of early modernity were precursors of the most enlightened liberal theory of international society today. By demolishing twentieth-century anachronisms, Before Anarchy bridges the divide between political theory, international relations and intellectual history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107114531
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/11/2016
Pages:	308
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.29(h) x 1.02(d)

About the Author

Theodore Christov is Assistant Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University, Washington, DC, where he teaches intellectual history and political theory. He is also a Faculty Affiliate at the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs. He has previously served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Theory at Northwestern University, Illinois. His research interests lie in international political thought, early modern and modern political theory, and classical theories of international relations. He has published on Hobbes and international thought, Vattel and the liberal state, and the federal idea of early modern Europe.

Table of Contents

Part I. Hobbesian Variations: 1. Introduction: Hobbes after anarchy; 2. Hobbes before anarchy; 3. Hobbes without anarchy; 4. Hobbes against anarchy; Part II. Hobbesian Receptions: 5. Pufendorf's anti-Hobbesian camouflage; 6. Pufendorf's international thought; 7. Rousseau and the quest for peace; 8. Vattel the sorry comforter; Epilogue: globalizing political thought.

Editorial Reviews

‘Before Anarchy is well written, well researched, and nicely structured. It develops a persuasive and thought-provoking argument through historically and theoretically informed engagements with several key thinkers in the IR canon. Christov tackles a broad disciplinary problem of breaking down an artificial distinction between the domestic and international and through that political theory and international relations theory, as well as helps facilitate discussion between realists on both sides of the divide. Both of these are very valuable contributions to the literature.’ Matt Sleat, University of Sheffield

‘Before Anarchy is a rich and meticulously researched manuscript that will shed light on many issues of interest to scholars and students alike. This is a must-read text for anyone who wishes to grasp a clearer understanding of Hobbes and his legacy, those interested in questions of sovereignty, and all students of the history of ideas (and in particular those focused on early modernity).' Daniel Brunstetter, University of California, Irvine

‘Cleverly titled and smartly executed, Before Anarchy by Theodore Christov does nothing less than unite the two crowns of ‘state’ - domestic and international - by way of an exacting reading of what Thomas Hobbes really wrote, in context, ‘before anarchy’ overran modern international thought. It also traces the reception and reduction of Hobbes by his critics Pufendorf, Cumberland, Vattel, Rousseau, and twentieth-century theorists who - not Hobbes - invented ‘Hobbesian anarchy'. This is historical political theory as it should be done.’ James Farr, Northwestern University

‘Until recently, political theorists have tended to neglect Hobbes’ international thought, while international relations scholars have ignored the context of his broader political theory. Theodore Christov’s excellent book is a welcome addition to the growing literature that is correcting these tendencies, as well as being a fine example of a productive conversation between political theory, international relations and the history of political thought. He recaptures a Hobbes ‘before anarchy’, but also helps us understand why Hobbes remains so vital today for both political theory and IR.’ Duncan Ivison, University of Sydney

‘The title of this book does not quite give away the rich variety of knowledge it contains … Theodore Christov does a fine job of explaining how Hobbes’s state of nature has been used as a starting point for realist theories in international relations scholarship … The hidden gem in this book is Christov’s extensive treatment of the international thought of German jurist Samuel Pufendorf.’ Laurie M. Johnson, The European Legacy

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