Reasoning of state : realists, romantics and rationality in international relations

Resource Information

The work Reasoning of state : realists, romantics and rationality in international relations represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in European University Institute. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

Reasoning of state : realists, romantics and rationality in international relations

Title remainder

realists, romantics and rationality in international relations

Statement of responsibility

Brian C. Rathbun

Creator

• Rathbun, Brian C., 1973-

Subject

• Churchill, Winston, 1874-1965
• France -- Foreign relations -- 1610-1643
• Great Britain -- Foreign relations -- 1936-1945
• International relations -- Decision making
• Political realism
• Prussia (Germany) -- Foreign relations -- 1815-1870
• Reagan, Ronald
• Richelieu, Armand Jean du Plessis, duc de, 1585-1642
• United States -- Foreign relations -- 1981-1989
• Bismarck, Otto, Fürst von, 1815-1898

Language

eng

Summary

"Scholars and citizens tend to assume that rationality guides the decision making of our leaders. Brian Rathbun suggests, however, that if we understand rationality to be a cognitive style premised on a commitment to objectivity and active deliberation, rational leaders are, in fact, the exception - not the norm. Using a unique combination of methods, including laboratory bargaining experiments, archival-based case studies, quantitative textual analysis, and high-level interviews, Rathbun questions some of our basic assumptions about rationality and leadership, with profound implications for the field of international relations. Case studies of Bismarck and Richelieu show that the rationality of realists makes them rare. An examination of Churchill and Reagan, romantics in international politics who sought to overcome obstacles in their path through force of will and personal agency, show what less rationality looks like in foreign policy making"--

Member of

• Cambridge studies in international relations, 149

Assigning source

Provided by publisher

Biography type

contains biographical information

Index

index present

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography

Series statement

Cambridge Studiess in International Relations

Series volume

149