Globalization has been contested in recent times. Among the critical perspectives is cosmopolitanism. Yet, with the exception of normative theory, international relations as a field has ignored cosmopolitan thinking. This book redresses this gap and develops a dialogue between cosmopolitanism and international relations. The dialogue is structured around three debates between non-universalist theories of international relations and contemporary cosmopolitan thought.

The theories chosen are realism, (post-)Marxism and postmodernism. All three criticize liberalism in the international domain, and, therefore, cosmopolitanism as an offshoot of liberalism. In the light of each school's respective critique of universalism, the book suggests both the importance and difficulty of the cosmopolitan perspective in the contemporary world. Beardsworth emphasizes the need for global leadership at nation-state level, re-embedding of the world economy, a cosmopolitan politics of the lesser violence, and cosmopolitan political judgement. He also suggests research agendas to situate further contemporary cosmopolitanism in international relations theory.

This book will appeal to all students of political theory and international relations, especially those who are seeking more articulation of the main issues between cosmopolitanism and its critics in international relations.

About the Author
Richard Beardsworth is professor of political philosophy and international relations at the American University of Paris.

Reviews
"A must-read for anyone interested in understanding how both cosmopolitanism and postmodern IR can offer insightful political advice to Realism without either falling back on a programmatic ethics or becoming complicit in oppression for the sake of unconditional singularity."
Millennium

"An essential reader for students of international relations theory and those seeking a foundational text to cosmopolitanism with clear depictions of the linkage and responses to its critics."
Central European Journal of International and Security Studies

"The author's tolerantly critical and systematic approach allows him to meet each critical debate with an especiallywell-tailored and zealously argued cosmopolian response, which is bound to appeal to scholars of law and politics."
Political Studies Review

"Beardsworth interrogates contemporary cosmopolitanism with the traditions of international relations theory most critical of it. The sophisticated cosmopolitan liberalism he unfolds in response is resourceful, often surprising, and wise."
Leif Wenar, King's College London

"Cosmopolitanism is now a central framework for thinking about questions of international relations and global politics. In this superb book, Richard Beardsworth draws together themes from cosmopolitan thinking and rival traditions of international thought to produce a fascinating synthesis that shows a way forward for cosmopolitan insights that neither ignores nor denies the difficulties and problems international relations displays. An important and original argument which all those interested in international political theory should read."
Nicholas Rengger, St Andrews University

"Cosmopolitanism and International Relations Theory is an incisive contribution to international political theory. Philosophically wide-ranging, analytically rigorous and politically engaged, this important book both challenges and enriches contemporary debates, while providing new directions for theory and recommendations for practice. As an impressive tour d'horizon, and a significant philosophic contribution, this is a book that cosmopolitans, their critics and international political theorists of all kinds will find essential reading and ground for engagement."
Michael C. Williams, Ecole superieure d'affaires publiques et internationales

Book Information
ISBN 9780745643243
Author Richard Beardsworth
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 431g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 155mm * 21mm