The Kantian Federation

A novel reading of Kant's model for peace revealing the fascinating theoretical tensions that affect it.

Luigi Caranti (Author)

9781009016971, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 June 2022

75 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.4 cm, 0.116 kg

This Element introduces the reader to Kant's theory of peace and to its place in the broader context of the critical philosophy. It also delves into one aspect of the model that has generated much debate among interpreters, given Kant's changing thoughts on the matter. This aspect relates to the nature and powers of the international federation. Defending the idea that national sovereignty is indissolubly linked to states' full autonomy regarding the use of military power, this Element offers an interpretation and defense of the Kantian federation that, in many regards, departs from the mainstream reading. Special emphasis is placed on the problematic coexistence of two conflicting theoretical desiderata: on the one hand, the necessity of establishing an international institution with coercive powers for securing peace; on the other hand, the necessity of avoiding the risk of an excessive erosion of states' sovereignty.

1. Introduction
2. Kant's Project of Perpetual Peace
3. The Project of Perpetual Peace in the Context of the Critical Philosophy
4. The Evolution of Kant's Thought on International Right
5. Three Lines of Arguments in Favor of the Federation
6. Cosmopolitan Protests: A Neglected Middle Term Between Völkerstaat and Völkerbund
7. Tertium Non Datur: The Problem with Moderate Cosmopolitanism
8. The 'Sovereignty Dilemma' Reconsidered
9. Concluding Remarks
References.

Subject Areas: Jurisprudence & philosophy of law [LAB], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900 [HPCD], Peace studies & conflict resolution [GTJ]