Description
Book SynopsisThucydides on International Law and Political Theory demonstrates that in classical times, certainly in the era of the Peloponnesian War, international law and strategy existed in an advanced form among the city-states of ancient Greece, and shows how the work of Thucydides, and, in fact, classical Greek international law and politics, have influenced aspects of modern international law and international politics. Iacovos Kareklas extensively analyzes Thucydidean political realism and indicates how it differs from modern realist and neo-realist theories of politics and presents that just war theory of the time of Thucydides formed the legal and political basis of contemporary kinds of military intervention. Further, inter-state treaties as listed in the work of Thucydides are categorized, interpreted and commented. The military Strategy of classical Greece and the role of religion in foreign policy decision making are also emphasized. This book is not designed to meet the taste of an i
Trade Review“There is always something new to find in Thucydides’ complex and multifaceted work, broadly known as The Peloponnesian War. Thucydides on International Law and Political Theory is innovative work focusing on the norms and rules governing the relations of these actors in times of peace and war. It is certainly an addition to the study of Thucydides and of international politics.” -- Ilias Kouskouvelis, University of Macedonia, Greece and author of Thucydides on Choice and Decision Making
Table of ContentsI.Thucydidean Political Realism Athenian Great Power and Imperialism Hegemonic War: Similarities between the Peloponnesian War and the Cold War Theory of Foreign Policy International Law and Ethics in World Politics II.Grounds of War in Classical Greek International Law and Causes of War in Thucydides III.The Origins of Humanitarian Law of Armed Conflict in Thucydides IV.Law of Treaties V.Personalities in Thucydides I. Alcibiades II. The Funeral Speech of Pericles VI.Political Intelligence in the War of the Peloponnesians and the Athenians VII.Strategy in the Peloponnesian War and Modern International Politics The Grand Strategy of Sparta VIII.Religion in the Politics of the Peloponnesian War Natural Phenomena Ethics and Religion Oracles and Thucydides IX.Metaphysics in the History of Thucydides and Herodotus Epilogue
