Political Realism An Evolutionary Theory of International Relations

Introduction: Theories, Concepts, Laws and Visions  1. Theories: What is Political Realism?  2. Concepts: How to Think about International Relations  3. Laws: What Rules Apply to International Relations?  4. Visions: Realism and Evolution in International Relations  5. And or End: The Value of Peace and Universal Human Cooperation  Appendix: List of Cases

Biography

W. Julian Korab-Karpowicz is one of Poland’s most renowned philosophers and political theorists. He has received his doctorate from the University of Oxford and has taught at many universities, including the University of Opole, the Anglo-American University of Prague and the Texas State University in San Marcos. He was a Lady Davis Visiting Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He published several books, including On the History of Political Philosophy (Routledge 2012) and Tractatus Politico-Philosophicus: New Directions for the Future Development of Humankind (Routledge 2017). He is also the author of a well-known article on “Political Realism in International Relations” in the Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy.

A distinguished authority in the field of political theory, Professor Korab-Karpowicz has now applied an evolutionary approach to the theory of international relations in a completely innovative, groundbreaking way. Employing judiciously chosen historical and contemporary instances, he presents the concepts, laws, and visions of a new, evolutionary realism. His book is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and practitioners of politics. It is a resounding appeal to rise above impractical calls for the abolition of the state system and, on the other hand, to oppose the moral lethargy that knows no escape from the laws of the international jungle. All thoughtful people should read and grapple with this challenging and outstanding book.

David Clinton, Professor of Political Science, Baylor University, USA

Evolutionary realism allows for a comprehensive understanding of international politics, provides a useful tool in the conduct of foreign policy, and paints a picture of an international order focused on cooperation and peace. Based on a realist foundation and historical case studies, Professor Korab-Karpowicz's book defines the conditions of coexistence in international politics, proposing an understanding of co-presence, interaction, difference, and change. Its content will stimulate reflection and discussion among scholars and prove helpful to all participants in international relations. It will also enable students and the general public to explore political realism as a complex and multifaceted paradigm.

Andrzej Galganek, Professor of International Relations, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland