Thucydides on International Law and Political Theory

by Iacovos Kareklas

Overview

Thucydides on International Law and Political Theory demonstrates that in classical times, especially in the era of the Peloponnesian War, international law and strategy existed in an advanced form among the city-states of ancient Greece. It shows how the work of Thucydides and classical Greek international law and politics have influenced aspects of modern international law and international politics. Iacovos Kareklas extensively analyzes Thucydidean political realism and indicates how it differs from modern realist and neo-realist theories of politics and presents that the “just war” theory of Thucydides’s time formed the legal and political basis of contemporary kinds of military intervention. Further, interstate treaties as listed in the work of Thucydides are categorized, interpreted, and commented upon. The military strategy of classical Greece and the role of religion in foreign policy decision making are also emphasized.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498599597
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	01/20/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	198
File size:	487 KB

About the Author

Iacovos Kareklas is former Fellow of the Faculty of Law at Oxford University.

Table of Contents

1. Thucydidean Political Realism

Athenian Great Power and Imperialism

Hegemonic War: Similarities between the Peloponnesian War and the Cold War

Theory of Foreign Policy

International Law and Ethics in World Politics

1. Grounds of War in Classical Greek International Law and Causes of War in Thucydides
2. The Origins of Humanitarian Law of Armed Conflict in Thucydides
3. Law of Treaties
4. Personalities in Thucydides

I. Alcibiades

II. The Funeral Speech of Pericles

1. Political Intelligence in the War of the Peloponnesians and the Athenians
2. Strategy in the Peloponnesian War and Modern International Politics

The Grand Strategy of Sparta

1. Religion in the Politics of the Peloponnesian War

Natural Phenomena

Ethics and Religion

Oracles and Thucydides

1. Metaphysics in the History of Thucydides and Herodotus

Epilogue

Editorial Reviews

The author has produced an excellent manuscript on a challenging topic. Only a person in command of the original Thucydides text could provide the level of analysis found in this manuscript. Upper level undergraduate and graduate students in international relations and international law will benefit from this book. This book, should be part of any serious library collection in international relations, international law and ancient Greek history.

Van Coufoudakis

There is always something new to find in Thucydides’ complex and multifaceted work, broadly known as The Peloponnesian War. Thucydides on International Law and Political Theory is innovative work focusing on the norms and rules governing the relations of these actors in times of peace and war. It is certainly an addition to the study of Thucydides and of international politics.

Ilias Kouskouvelis