| ID | 155156 |
| Title Proper | Civilising statecraft |
| Other Title Information | Andrew Linklater and comparative sociologies of states-systems |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Devetak, Richard ; Dunne, Tim ; Tim Dunne, Richard Devetak |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In this contribution to the forum marking the publication of Andrew Linklater’s remarkable book on Violence and Civilization in the Western States-Systems we first locate the book in the context of Linklater’s overarching intellectual journey. While best known for his contribution to a critical international theory, it is through his engagement with Martin Wight’s comparative sociology of states-systems that Linklater found resonances with the work of process sociologist, Norbert Elias. Integrating Wight’s insights into the states-system with Elias’s insights into civilising processes, Violence and Civilization presents a high-level theoretical synthesis with the aim of historically tracing restraints on violence. The article identifies a tension between the cosmopolitan philosophical history which underpins the argument of the book, and which has underpinned all Linklater’s previous works, and the ‘Utrecht Enlightenment’ that offers a conception of ‘civilized statecraft’ at odds with a universal conception of morality and justice. The article then examines Linklater’s argument about the ‘global civilizing process’ as it applies to post-Second World War efforts to build greater institutional capability to protect peoples from harm. It is argued that Linklater over-estimates the extent to which solidarism has civilised international society, and that the extension of state responsibilities and development of civilised statecraft owe more to pluralism than solidarism. |
| `In' analytical Note | Review of International Studies Vol. 43, No.4; Oct 2017: p.686-699 |
| Journal Source | Review of International Studies Vol: 43 No 4 |
| Key Words | Pluralism ; International Society ; Norbert Elias ; Statecraft ; Martin Wight ; Andrew Linklater ; Civilizing Processes ; States-Systems ; Human Protection |