Description
Book SynopsisFriedrich Kratochwil's book explores the key discourses surrounding the role of law in the international arena. Providing an overview of the debates in legal theory, philosophy, international law and international organizations, Kratochwil reflects on the need to break down disciplinary boundaries.
Trade Review'Kratochwil is one of the few contemporary academics straddling the line between international relations theory and international law. He is not just a political scientist, but a political thinker firmly based in classic as well as modern social philosophy. The meditations assembled in the present book bring out the best in Kratochwil's writing: they are enlightening, of course, but they are also a pleasure to read, acerbic, iconoclastic and challenging our established wisdom on many concepts we have taken for granted.' Bruno Simma, University of Michigan and former judge, International Court of Justice
'This masterful new book argues that a deep understanding of international law comes not from theory but reflection on how it is used and what it does. Eclectic, incisive and richly rewarding!' Jutta Brunnée, University of Toronto
'This book is an odyssey - not of a pre-programmed torpedo or a piece of driftwood but of a ship commanded by a relentlessly inquisitive, self-reflective and self-doubting captain committed to the perils of his journey more than the safety of ports. Unexpected intellectual discoveries occur along the way on innumerable beachheads of original thought offering compressed ruminations of a lifetime of learning. An exhilarating read.' Peter J. Katzenstein, Cornell University
'Kratochwil skillfully weaves sharp epistemological and methodological observations with insightful analyses of the limits of interdisciplinary work in international relations, the fragmentation of international law, and the politics of rights. By turns witty, provocative and profound, this book should be essential reading for all students and scholars of international relations and international law.' Jeffrey L. Dunoff, Temple University
'Kratochwil has written the international law book of the year. There is much here to admire, there is much to take to heart and also (he will be delighted to see) some things to disagree with.' Jan Klabbers, European Journal of International Law
Table of ContentsPreface; Introduction: images of law; 1. Inter-disciplinarity, the epistemological ideal of incontrovertible foundations and the problem of praxis; 2. On the concept of law; 3. On constitutions and fragmented orders; 4. Of experts, helpers, and enthusiasts; 5. The power of metaphors and narratives: systems, teleology, evolution and the issue of the 'global community'; 6. Cosmopolitanism, publicity, and the emergence of a 'global administrative law'; 7. The politics of rights; 8. The limits and burdens of rights; 9. The bounds of (non)-sense.
