Hans J. Morgenthau's Theory of International Relations : Disenchantment and Re-Enchantment PDF

An innovative interpretation of Hans J. Morgenthau's contribution to International Relations that argues that the concepts of meaning, power as meaning imposition, disenchantment and re-enchantment are central to his theory.

The meaning of existence and its interpretation, the credibility of its long-established values, the individuals' 'will to meaning', and their relevant creative potential -- all form a scholarly concern which, as becomes clear throughout the book, Morgenthau shares with his intellectual mentors, Friedrich Nietzsche and Max Weber. This is a positive and productive interpretation of Morgenthau's thought, the innovative character of which stems from a discussion of the following: * the role of Nietzsche and Weber in the articulation of Morgenthau's perspective; * his interpretation of his mentors' diagnosis of the 'death of God'; * the centrality of the topic of meaning in Morgenthau's theory; * the subsequent interpretation by Morgenthau of power as meaning imposition and as an inter-relational concept; * Morgenthau's examination of the disenchantment of human life and of politics in particular; * his vision of man as the source of both destruction and transcendence; * Morgenthau's concept of the creative, responsible and thoughtful leader, who represents the constructive force behind the re-enchantment of politics.