Realist or Utopian Pacifist?

This study offers an in-depth exploration of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s philosophy of international relations, an under-researched but crucial aspect of his political thought. We strongly argue that Rousseau understood the transformation of individuals into morally mature subjects as a process inti...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Nikolaos Nikolakakis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos 2024-11-01
Series:Filosofia Unisinos
Subjects:
Online Access:https://revistas.unisinos.br/index.php/filosofia/article/view/26683
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850270002618302464
author Nikolaos Nikolakakis
author_facet Nikolaos Nikolakakis
author_sort Nikolaos Nikolakakis
collection DOAJ
description This study offers an in-depth exploration of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s philosophy of international relations, an under-researched but crucial aspect of his political thought. We strongly argue that Rousseau understood the transformation of individuals into morally mature subjects as a process intimately intertwined with the development of a political community. According to Rousseau, this intricate connection cannot be fully grasped without considering the international society of states. The paper unpacks Rousseau’s contemplations on the dynamics of war, the mechanisms of peace, and the unique attributes of states. It provides an articulate argument that Rousseau does not adhere strictly to the doctrines of political realism or utopian pacifism. Rather, Rousseau carves out a nuanced viewpoint that transcends these conventional categorizations, offering a more complex and multifaceted understanding of the interconnectedness between domestic and international politics. In doing so, the paper’s analysis unveils a more thorough comprehension of Rousseau’s political philosophy, its roots, and its implications. It emphasizes his recognition of the internal and external forces influencing state behavior and his forward-looking ideas about international relations that anticipated later developments in the field. By emphasizing his enduring relevance, this study positions Rousseau as a pivotal figure whose ideas continue to resonate in contemporary debates surrounding international relations, contributing to our understanding of global politics.
format Article
id doaj-art-6c2897d4cd024b0d9783f7872ddfd8ce
institution OA Journals
issn 1984-8234
language English
publishDate 2024-11-01
publisher Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos
record_format Article
series Filosofia Unisinos
spelling doaj-art-6c2897d4cd024b0d9783f7872ddfd8ce2025-08-20T01:52:49ZengUniversidade do Vale do Rio dos SinosFilosofia Unisinos1984-82342024-11-0125310.4013/fsu.2024.253.08Realist or Utopian Pacifist? Nikolaos Nikolakakis0Zayed University, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates This study offers an in-depth exploration of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s philosophy of international relations, an under-researched but crucial aspect of his political thought. We strongly argue that Rousseau understood the transformation of individuals into morally mature subjects as a process intimately intertwined with the development of a political community. According to Rousseau, this intricate connection cannot be fully grasped without considering the international society of states. The paper unpacks Rousseau’s contemplations on the dynamics of war, the mechanisms of peace, and the unique attributes of states. It provides an articulate argument that Rousseau does not adhere strictly to the doctrines of political realism or utopian pacifism. Rather, Rousseau carves out a nuanced viewpoint that transcends these conventional categorizations, offering a more complex and multifaceted understanding of the interconnectedness between domestic and international politics. In doing so, the paper’s analysis unveils a more thorough comprehension of Rousseau’s political philosophy, its roots, and its implications. It emphasizes his recognition of the internal and external forces influencing state behavior and his forward-looking ideas about international relations that anticipated later developments in the field. By emphasizing his enduring relevance, this study positions Rousseau as a pivotal figure whose ideas continue to resonate in contemporary debates surrounding international relations, contributing to our understanding of global politics. https://revistas.unisinos.br/index.php/filosofia/article/view/26683Rousseau, war and peace, Abbé de Saint-Pierre.
spellingShingle Nikolaos Nikolakakis
Realist or Utopian Pacifist?
Filosofia Unisinos
Rousseau, war and peace, Abbé de Saint-Pierre.
title Realist or Utopian Pacifist?
title_full Realist or Utopian Pacifist?
title_fullStr Realist or Utopian Pacifist?
title_full_unstemmed Realist or Utopian Pacifist?
title_short Realist or Utopian Pacifist?
title_sort realist or utopian pacifist
topic Rousseau, war and peace, Abbé de Saint-Pierre.
url https://revistas.unisinos.br/index.php/filosofia/article/view/26683
work_keys_str_mv AT nikolaosnikolakakis realistorutopianpacifist