Benevolence in International Relations - (Bristol Studies in International Theory) by Frédéric Ramel (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In this first English-language edition of a sole-authored book from Frédéric Ramel, benevolence is defined as a moral principle which promotes temperance and attention to vulnerability. Ramel unpacks this concept, analyses its received meanings in different contexts and spells out its practical and ethical implications in detail.

In preparing this work for an English-speaking readership, the author undertook extensive revisions and included two additional chapters. It also includes a foreword from Chris Brown, Emeritus Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The French edition was published as La Bienveillance Dans Les Relations Internationales.

Review Quotes

"A fascinating, lucid, and informative exploration of benevolence and its implications for international relations. Ramel offers a fundamental challenge to crude realism, and in its stead elaborates a compelling framework of being and living, of thinking about ourselves and others, and of developing a more appropriate understanding of individual, social, and national interests." Richard Ned Lebow, King's College London

"Ramel's insightful exploration demonstrates that sensitivity plays an active and crucial role in international relations. By shifting the focus and drawing on under-examined sources, this book opens new horizons for both scholars and diplomats." Séverine Autesserre, author of The Frontlines of Peace

"Frederic Ramel has introduced courageous vision in the discourse on international relations, at a time when many nations prefer war and hostility as currencies to conduct global affairs. Ramel advocates reciprocity, solidarity, moderation, dialogue and global common good. We must listen to him if we want humanity to survive and flourish." Sundeep Waslekar, Author of 'A World without War' ('Entre Guerre et Paix') and President of Strategic Foresight Group

"In this fascinating new book, Frederic Ramel urges us to look above and beyond the dominant paradigms in international relations, which emphasize, in their diverse ways, power and interest, and have little place for noninstrumental, prosocial attitudes like benevolence. Ramel is also careful to show that a politics of benevolence is also dangerous, and outlines the many ways it can go wrong. Drawing on art, literature, and social science, this wide-ranging, nuanced, and insightful book is bound to change hearts and minds." Andrea Sangiovanni, King's College London

"This book is a model of creativity driven by curiosity, rigor, and generosity. The book faces moral dilemmas and raises fundamental questions about international ethics. In a world where mistrust has increased and empathy vanished, it is a subtle source of inspiration for both scholars and practitioners. An urgent invitation to search for fruitful ways out and common grounds." Valérie Rosoux, University of Louvain

About the Author

Frédéric Ramel is Professor of Political Science at Sciences Po Paris, France.