Scientific Cosmology and International Orders (Cambridge Studies In International Relations #147)

Synopsis

Scientific Cosmology and International Orders shows how scientific ideas have transformed international politics since 1550.

Allan argues that cosmological concepts arising from Western science made possible the shift from a sixteenth century order premised upon divine providence to the present order centred on economic growth. As states and other international associations used scientific ideas to solve problems, they slowly reconfigured ideas about how the world works, humanity's place in the universe, and the meaning of progress.

The book demonstrates the rise of scientific ideas across three cases: natural philosophy in balance of power politics, 1550–1815; geology and Darwinism in British colonial policy and international colonial orders, 1860–1950; and cybernetic-systems thinking and economics in the World Bank and American liberal order, 1945–2015. Together, the cases trace the emergence of economic growth as a central end of states from its origins in colonial doctrines of development and balance of power thinking about improvement.

Outlines how scientific ideas have shaped international politics.

Reveals the far-reaching power and influence of the natural and social sciences on international politics.

Presents a new macrohistorical narrative of the development of the international system.

Copyright:

2018

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

ISBN-13:

9781108265973

Related ISBNs:

9781108416610, 9781108416610

Publisher:

Cambridge University Press

Date of Addition:

06/15/18

Copyrighted By:

Bentley Allan

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Science, Business and Finance, Politics and Government

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.