Taylor and Francis Hoogensen, G: International Relations, Security and Jeremy B

This is the first book to present and discuss Jeremy Bentham's contributions to international relations theory. It introduces this brilliant thinker to a new audience and field in which his insights are invaluable and fascinating. Bentham is best known amongst political theory scholars, as the vast proportion of his work addressed legal theory, reform, and the ideal relationship between the governors and the governed. This major new study explores how his thinking casts light into the field of international relations, opening up an array of potentials and possibilities. It exposes the breadth of Bentham's contribution and a novel analysis is introduced, using Bentham's own 'disappointment prevention principle' and his preoccupation with security as the point of departure. Within the context of Bentham's work, this book also addresses the broader context of international relations theory itself, and demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of the international relations theory traditions, in particular, liberalism and realism. This book is highly relevant to students and scholars of international relations and political theory.