'Only in the leap from the lion's head will he prove his worth': natural law and international relations

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Abstract

This article argues the benefits of including a theological interpretation of natural law morality within the normative discourses of international politics. It challenges the assumption of a Grotian secular natural law arguing that practical reason, in a Thomist interpretation, is better suited to the demands of international political theory. It engages with themes of agency, practical reason, and community in order to enhance the content of the post-territorial community evidenced in ethical cosmopolitan debates. Likewise, it envisions a simultaneously enhancing a rapprochement among cosmopolitan and communitarian discourses of international politics facilitated through an institutional design guided by the morality of natural law.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)22-42
Number of pages21
JournalJournal of International Political Theory
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2013

Keywords

  • natural law
  • international political thought
  • international politics
  • practical reason

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