Back to the renaissance

Richard Ned Lebow has written a monumental and unique book. Few IR scholars can claim such multi-expertise in the ancient world, medieval Europe, modern Europe before 1789, the era of new imperialism, World War I, World War II, the Cold War and the contemporary era. The bibliography runs to nearly 170 pages. A Cultural Theory of International Relations is not only monumental but also nuanced in its account of human motives, agency and responsibility in a world where no order is eternal. It is written in very readable and clear prose, and follows an easily understandable chronological order. Seen as an alternative to the economistic versions of liberalism and political realism, Lebow¿s theory provides genuine insights into the complex nature of power and into non-materialistic human possibilities. In short, A Cultural Theory of International Relations shows deep humanistic learning.