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International Journal of Political and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 No. 3 (2023): May-June
Original Articles

POWER POLITICS AND NORMATIVE SHIFTS: THUCYDIDES' INSIGHTS INTO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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  • Emma L. Thompson
Emma L. Thompson
The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, 160 Packard Avenue, Medford, USA

Published 2023-06-09

Keywords

  • Thucydides,
  • international relations,
  • power politics,
  • norms,
  • normative change,
  • bounded rationality,
  • irrational behavior,
  • cooperation,
  • ideas,
  • actors,
  • ancient city-states
    • ...More
    Less

How to Cite

Thompson, E. L. (2023). POWER POLITICS AND NORMATIVE SHIFTS: THUCYDIDES’ INSIGHTS INTO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS . International Journal of Political and Social Sciences, 8(3), 15–34. Retrieved from https://topjournals.org/index.php/IJPSS/article/view/524

Copyright (c) 2023 International Journal of Political and Social Sciences

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Thucydides' foundational work, "The History of the Peloponnesian War," is often regarded as a seminal exposition of power politics in international relations. However, Thucydides' perspective is not confined to this dimension alone. His work delves into the realms of bounded rationality, norms, normative change, and irrational behavior within the context of ancient city-states' interactions. Thucydides did not erect rigid barriers between these dimensions, and his narrative provides insights into their intricate interplay. While the pursuit of power is central to realist and neo-realist interpretations of his work, Thucydides also underscores the significance of norms and their evolution over time. This raises essential questions about how international norms transform. Thucydides reveals that norms of cooperation are not solely rooted in religion, tradition, or custom. Instead, his narrative demonstrates the role of ideas and actors in shaping and reshaping international norms. This paper explores Thucydides' multifaceted approach to international relations, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between power politics and evolving norms.

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