Bertrand Russell's Philosophy of International Relations

Abstract: Bertrand Russell wrote widely on international relations, especially on preventing war and creating a sustainable peace. However, it is an open question whether his works should be taken seriously by professionals in the field. This paper says "yes" and argues that Russell made two important contributions to international relations theory. First, he uniquely combines different levels of inquiry, connecting insights into the structure of international politics with detailed analyses of human agents. Second, he does not just analyze international relations; he also advances normative goals—something international relations theory is often reluctant to do. The two contributions are connected: Russell's normative goals are nurtured by how he combines his insights into both individuals and the structure of international relations. As a result, his particular understanding of international politics creates a unique vision for how we can improve the field—and the real world.