Challenges conventional views of Hans Kelsen and foreign-policy realism in International Relations theory Focuses on Kelsen as a political thinker and actor Introduces Kelsen as a political realist Shows how Kelsen thought of human nature the state, and war Challenges today's Schmittians and conventional views of foreign-policy realism Highlights the possibility for progress and peace in a rough world A lively account of Kelsen's life and political thinking This book is the first work to show this iconic legal philosopher's significance as a progressive political realist. In a lively account of Kelsen's life and political thinking, Robert Schuett introduces him as a political realist and brings his thought on human nature, the state and war into productive tension with today's Schmittians and conventional views of foreign policy realism. At a precarious moment in world history, where Western liberal principles are challenged by visions of illiberal democracy at home and abroad, this new reading of the Pure theory of law, state and international legal order is a timely defense of the ideals of an open society through a realistic style of politics.

About the Author
Robert Schuett is a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Political Science at the University of Salzburg. He has a Ph.D. from the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University. His research and teaching interests are International Relations theory and foreign-policy realism. Recent publications include The Edinburgh Companion to Political Realism (Edinburgh University Press, 2018) and The Concept of the State in International Relations (Edinburgh University Press, 2015). He lives and works in Vienna.

Reviews
"A totally unexpected Kelsen Biographical. Philosophical. A light on our times." -George Soros, Founder, Open Society Foundations, New York



Book Information
ISBN 9781474481694
Author Robert Schuett
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Edinburgh University Press
Publisher Edinburgh University Press