Reasoning of State
Realists, Romantics and Rationality in International Relations

Challenges the assumption of the rationality of foreign policy makers in international relations, showing how leaders systematically vary in the rationality of their thinking.

Brian C. Rathbun (Author)

9781108427425, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 February 2019

348 pages, 7 b/w illus. 7 tables
23.5 x 15.7 x 2.2 cm, 0.61 kg

'Reasoning of State is an impressive and provocative book. It is highly original, engaging, and beautifully written. I have rarely had so much fun reading an academic study. I strongly recommend it to IR scholars in general and rational choice theorists in particular.' Robin Markwica, H-Diplo

Scholars and citizens tend to assume that rationality guides the decision-making of our leaders. Brian C. Rathbun suggests, however, that if we understand rationality to be a cognitive style premised on a commitment to objectivity and active deliberation, rational leaders are in fact the exception not the norm. Using a unique combination of methods including laboratory bargaining experiments, archival-based case studies, quantitative textual analysis and high-level interviews, Rathbun questions some of the basic assumptions about rationality and leadership, with profound implications for the field of international relations. Case studies of Bismarck and Richelieu show that the rationality of realists makes them rare. An examination of Churchill and Reagan, romantics in international politics who sought to overcome obstacles in their path through force of will and personal agency, show what less rationality looks like in foreign policy making.

Introduction: three theoretical arguments, four 'great men' of history, multiple methods, and disciplines
1. The psychology of rationality: cognitive style in international relations
2. The three 'r's of international relations: realism, romanticism and rationality
3. Little Bismarcks: a laboratory experiment on variation in rational thinking and rational behavior
4. The 'prince' among men: Bismarck's realpolitik in Prussian politics
5. Cold blood and iron: Bismarck, the struggle with Austria and German unification
6. Blind faith: Richelieu, the devoted, and France in counter-reformation Europe
7. 'Blood, toil, tears and sweat': Churchill, romanticism and the rational appeasement debate
8. 'In defeat, defiance': Churchill in words (1935–39) and in deeds (1940) with Therese Anders
9. 'Beginning the world all over again': resolving the paradox of Ronald Reagan
10. Winning one as the Gipper? Reagan's administration and American engagement with the Soviet Union
Conclusion: the irrationality of rational choice: saving a paradigm from itself
References
Index.

Subject Areas: International institutions [JPSN], Geopolitics [JPSL], Diplomacy [JPSD], International relations [JPS], Central government policies [JPQB], Political leaders & leadership [JPHL], Social, group or collective psychology [JMH]