Hans J. Morgenthau's Theory of International Relations

An innovative interpretation of Hans J. Morgenthau's contribution to International Relations that argues that the concepts of meaning, power as meaning imposition, disenchantment and re-enchantment are central to his theory. The meaning of existence and its interpretation, the credibility of its long-established values, the individuals' 'will to meaning', and their relevant creative potential -- all form a scholarly concern which, as becomes clear throughout the book, Morgenthau shares with his intellectual mentors, Friedrich Nietzsche and Max Weber. This is a positive and productive interpretation of Morgenthau's thought, the innovative character of which stems from a discussion of the following: / the role of Nietzsche and Weber in the articulation of Morgenthau's perspective; / his interpretation of his mentors' diagnosis of the 'death of God'; / the centrality of the topic of meaning in Morgenthau's theory; / the subsequent interpretation by Morgenthau of power as meaning imposition and as an inter-relational concept; / Morgenthau's examination of the disenchantment of human life and of politics in particular; / his vision of man as the source of both destruction and transcendence; / Morgenthau's concept of the creative, responsible and thoughtful leader, who represents the constructive force behind the re-enchantment of politics.