International Society and the Development of International Relations Theory

The English School, embodying the traditions of philosophy, law and history and some of the conceptualizations of the social sciences, provides a perspective on contemporary international relations theory that allows for a critical reformulation of the concept of international society. It is a formulation that offers an alternative methodology for the study and deeper understanding of the nature of the current emerging transformations in the international system. This collection of essays has been written by major international relations theorists and it sets out a critical appreciation of the development of the international society idea and its influence on international relations theory. A critical look is taken at the intellectual development of key members of the School, the concept of the School itself and the place of the School's theory in contemporary international relations approaches.