The Concept of the Political

by Hans J. Morgenthau, Hartmut Behr (Editor), Felix Rösch (Editor)

A growing interest in the oeuvre of Hans J. Morgenthau and in re-readings of 'classical realism' increases the significance of his European, pre-emigration writings in order to understand the work of one of the founding figures of IR. This book is the first English translation of Morgenthau's French monograph La notion du politique from 1933 (translated by Maeva Vidal).

Genres: International Relations

174 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2012

About the author

Leading twentieth-century figures in the study of international politics. He made landmark contributions to international relations theory and the study of international law, and his Politics Among Nations, first published in 1948, went through many editions and was for decades the most-used textbook in its field in U.S. universities. In addition, Morgenthau wrote widely about international politics and U.S. foreign policy for general-circulation publications such as The New Leader, Commentary, Worldview, and The New Republic. He knew and corresponded with many of the leading intellectuals and writers of his era, such as Reinhold Niebuhr, George F. Kennan, and Hannah Arendt. At one point in the early Cold War, Morgenthau was a consultant to the U.S. Department of State when Kennan headed its Policy Planning Staff. For most of his career, however, Morgenthau was an academic critic of U.S. foreign policy rather than a formulator of it.

Reviews

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting, brilliant and kind awaited translation. Having said that, it is quite technical and addresses narrow classification issue. The introduction by Behr and Rösch is really well written and insightful though.

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hans Morgenthau's "Concept of the Political" is a seminal work that delves into the complexities of political theory, offering a nuanced exploration of power dynamics and statecraft. Published in 1933, the book showcases Morgenthau's intellectual rigor and keen analytical skills, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the essence of politics.

Morgenthau critically examines the nature of political entities, emphasizing the role of power as a fundamental force shaping international relations. His realist perspective, grounded in a Hobbesian understanding of human nature, contributes to a realistic appraisal of political behavior. The author meticulously dissects the concept of sovereignty, highlighting its implications for the autonomy of states and the challenges inherent in maintaining political order.

One of Morgenthau's key contributions lies in his delineation of the dichotomy between the "politics of interest" and the "politics of morality." Through a careful examination of historical events and political philosophy, he argues for a pragmatic approach that recognizes the inherent tension between national interest and ethical considerations. This dichotomy remains a central theme, fostering ongoing debates within the realm of political theory.

The book's enduring relevance is underscored by Morgenthau's exploration of power politics and the balance of power, concepts that continue to shape contemporary international relations. Furthermore, his insights into the role of ideology, diplomacy, and the dynamics of conflict offer valuable perspectives for scholars and practitioners alike.

While "Concept of the Political" is undoubtedly a cornerstone in the realist tradition, critics may contend that Morgenthau's emphasis on power and realism oversimplifies the complexities of global politics. Nevertheless, his work remains an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a profound understanding of the enduring principles that govern the political landscape. Overall, Morgenthau's masterful synthesis of history, philosophy, and political analysis renders "Concept of the Political" an indispensable text for scholars and students engaged in the study of political theory and international relations.

GPT