Lexington Books Thucydides on International Law and Political Theory

Thucydides on International Law and Political Theory demonstrates that in classical times, especially in the era of the Peloponnesian War, international law and strategy existed in an advanced form among the city-states of ancient Greece. It shows how the work of Thucydides and classical Greek international law and politics have influenced aspects of modern international law and international politics. Iacovos Kareklas extensively analyzes Thucydidean political realism and indicates how it differs from modern realist and neo-realist theories of politics and presents that the "just war" theory of Thucydides's time formed the legal and political basis of contemporary kinds of military intervention. Further, interstate treaties as listed in the work of Thucydides are categorized, interpreted, and commented upon. The military strategy of classical Greece and the role of religion in foreign policy decision making are also emphasized. Review The author has produced an excellent manuscript on a challenging topic. Only a person in command of the original Thucydides text could provide the level of analysis found in this manuscript. Upper level undergraduate and graduate students in international relations and international law will benefit from this book. This book, should be part of any serious library collection in international relations, international law and ancient Greek history.--Van Coufoudakis, professor emeritus, Indiana University-Purdue University About the Author Iacovos Kareklas is associate professor at European University Cyprus.