States of Mind
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The Realist Tradition in International Relations: Foundations of Western Order
In August 2011, Praeger Security International (PSI) published my four-volume series on the philosophy of war and state, and the convergence of political, strategic and IR theory around the nexus of constructive realism -- the millennial effort by theorists across history to render chaos to order with the stroke of a pen.
Formerly called States of Mind: The Realist Tradition and Foundation of Western Order, its now known as The Realist Tradition in International Relations: Foundations of Western Order. Its four volumes are:
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Reviews of The Realist Tradition in International Relations: Foundations of Western Order, 4v
“Zellen (Naval Postgraduate School) has had an energetic passion for international relations theory for several decades, with a focus on Arctic security and circumpolar politics. Amb. David T. Killion (U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO) provides an introduction to this four-volume work, beginning with a reminiscence of his first course with Zellen at Wesleyan University in 1986, which included 'a veritable who's who of realism from the classical era up to the 20th century....' The foreword by Dr. Joel M. Ostrow (Chair, Dept. of Political Science, Benedictine U.) points out that this treatise, for many, is long awaited. Ostrow explains that Zellen 'offers unique insights into the entire concept of the nation-state.' He continues, advising that reading this work 'is a massive journey ... not for the faint of heart' and suggesting that students of international relations theory will be most interested in Zellen's development of constructive realism theory historically, philosophically, and politically. Zellen discusses the rise of the modern nation-state, explores (Ostrow's words) the 'application and misapplication of the ideas [of constructive realism],' and 'chronicles strategic thought during the age of total war' and reactions against the nation-state (as evidenced by the attacks of 9/11). The four volumes each have a focus and are titled as follows: v.1: State of Hope, v.2: State of Fear, v.3: State of Awe, and v.4: State of Siege. Each volume is separately indexed.”
-- SciTech Book News, December 2011
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Rated: 4 of 5 stars on Goodreads.com
"Heavy reading. Zellen has a writing style that strikes a balance between scholar and poet as he traces Realism from Thucydides to Hitler. This first book in his four volume series is extremely informative. ..."
Mark Lewis, Goodreads.com, December 28, 2012
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“This comprehensive body of work is a meticulously detailed historical, theoretical and philosophical examination of realist theory and its theorists, philosophers, and spiritual, military, and government leaders that have shaped it to the present day. Zellen cleverly compares, blends, and contrasts the most renowned figures of their day, interweaving events, metaphors and analogies in intriguing, compelling, and enlightening ways that enhance—or even challenge—our very understanding of their thoughts, intent, relevance, and application today. This masterfully crafted and superbly researched seminal body of work is destined to be the standard for many years to come.”
-- Dr. David A. Anderson, Professor of Strategic Studies, and William E. Odom Chair of Joint, Interagency and Multinational Operations, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
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“Barry Zellen’s multi-volume work on realism is an incredible tour d’horizon of 3,000 years of realist theory and its political utility, from Socrates to today’s war on terror. His development of a new theoretical field—constructive realism—represents a welcome contribution to international relations theory and serves as a bridge between constructivism and its realist roots. I highly recommend this set to any student, teacher, or real-world practitioner of international relations.”
-- Dr. Jeffrey A. Larsen, President, Larsen Consulting Group and Adjunct Professor, Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver
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“Barry Zellen has produced a masterful overview of realism. This work is almost overwhelming in its comprehensive nature and is a must read for any serious student of international relations.”
-- Dr. Rob Huebert, Centre for Military and Strategic Studies, University of Calgary, co-author of Canada and the Changing Arctic: Sovereignty, Security, and Stewardship and co-editor of Breaking Ice: Renewable Resource and Ocean Management in the Canadian North and A Nation's Navy: In Quest of Canadian Naval Identity
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“In States of Mind, Zellen examines the response by theorists to the advent of total war, and chronicles the evolution of the philosophy of war from the era of limited war to the age of absolute warfare in the nuclear age. Zellen’s efforts will help spark new interest in the nuclear strategists, and their important contribution to the pursuit of order in an age of unprecedented danger and insecurity.”
-- Dr. James A. Russell, Associate Professor, Department of National Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School and author of Innovation, Transformation, and War: Counterinsurgency Operations in Anbar and Ninewa Provinces, Iraq, 2005-2007 (Stanford Security Studies)
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“This sweeping and perceptive analysis of strategic thought in the Western world, from classical wars between Greece and Persia to the War of Terror, is sure to stimulate discussion. Zellen’s constructive realism sees strategy as action, resurrecting realism from the realm of tragedy to heroic idealism. Theorists, historians, and strategists will find rich food for thought in this search to find theoretical order in humanity’s quest for peace and security through the chaos of the last two millennia.”
-- Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Associate Professor and Chair of History, St. Jerome’s University, Canada and author of Battle Grounds: The Canadian Military and Aboriginal Lands, co-author of Canada and the Changing Arctic: Sovereignty, Security, and Stewardship and Arctic Front: Defending Canada in the Far North; and co-editor of Canadian Forces and Arctic Sovereignty, Debating Roles, Interests, and Requirements, 1968-1974 and Aboriginal Peoples and Military Participation
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“As a civil affairs officer deployed to Anbar Province, Iraq in 2004-05, I wanted to understand where our efforts fit within the historical context of America’s strategic and military policy. Zellen’s States of Mind comprehensively and effectively lays out the ‘big blue arrows’ of American policy.”
-- Col. Jim Burack, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and Chief of Police and Town Administrator, Milliken, CO
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“In this wide-ranging and thorough analysis of the lessons of two thousand years of realist thinking, Zellen explores the border between order and chaos, and offers ‘constructive realism’ as a prescription for strategic thinkers who want to translate thinking into action.”
-- Margaret D. Stock, Adjunct Instructor, Political Science Department, University of Alaska Anchorage & Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Military Police Corps, US Army Reserve
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“With States of Mind, Barry Zellen has assembled what is sure to be the benchmark work in strategic theory. In addition to clearly articulating the seminal ideas and developments within this critical area of study, Zellen has provided insight into the way a successful strategic philosopher thinks. With the use of compelling and detailed historical examples, anyone responsible for making important decisions will find this work of a tremendous value.”
-- Dr. Andrew Robert Thomas, Assistant Professor of International Business at the University of Akron, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing. He is founding editor-in-chief of Journal of Transportation Security and author of The Handbook of Supply Chain Security (Springer, 2009); editor of Aviation Security Management (Greenwood, 2008), and author of Aviation Insecurity: The New Challenges of Air Travel (Prometheus, 2003).
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“Zellen has produced a theoretical tour-de-force with this much awaited multi-volume exploration of critical issues in theories of state formation and state behavior. This work is an absolute must-read for students of the changing political landscape and the impact that the global war on terror is having on the organization of international politics – and our imaginings of what it means to be in and of this world.”
-- Dr. Timothy R. Tangherlini. Tangherlini teaches folklore, literature and cultural studies at the University of California, where he is a Professor in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, and in the Scandinavian Section. He is also an affiliate of the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, the Religious Studies Program, and a faculty member in the Center for European and Eurasian Studies and Center for Korean Studies.
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“States of Mind is a tour-de-force. Zellen gives a deeply historical view of the development of imperialist power, from its classical to early modern forms, and compellingly demonstrates the continued resistance to its domination. For anybody trying to understand the intricacies and implications of contemporary forms of Western imperialist expansion, this is a must-read.”
-- Dr. Robin Truth Goodman, Associate Professor of English and Global Literature, Florida State University, author of Policing Narratives and the State of Terror
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Specific Praise for State of Siege (Volume 4)
“A compelling read. In State of Siege Zellen weaves together an original framework and highly provocative narrative through which to understand the modern development of insurgency practices and the beliefs that fuel them.”
-- Dr. Julian Reid, Professor of International Relations, University of Lapland; author of The Liberal Way of War: Killing to Make Life Live (Routledge 2009) with Michael Dillon.
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“In State of Siege Zellen considers the philosophical response by terrorists, insurgents and other visionaries of disorder in the modern period, and how they share a strategic and a philosophical bond often overlooked by those who distinguish them by their tactics—whether they are advocates of strategic nonviolence like Gandhi, the revolutionary power of popular war like Mao, or the apocalyptic violence of Bin Laden’s jihadism. These architects of upheaval are not lords of chaos as perceived by their opponents, but visionaries of alternative, non-western models of political order that challenge the primacy of the modern, secular, Westphalian model of state sovereignty. They thus share more in common with the founding fathers of realism than is often acknowledged, and are seen by Zellen to be worthy inheritors of the realist mantle.”
-- Dr. James A. Russell, Associate Professor, Department of National Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School, and author of Innovation, Transformation, and War: Counterinsurgency Operations in Anbar and Ninewa Provinces, Iraq, 2005-2007 (Stanford Security Studies)
Table of Contents
The work is comprised of four volumes, each focusing upon a distinct period. Volume 1, State of Hope, looks at the classical era when chaos reigned supreme. Volume 2, State of Fear, goes through the early-modern period and the emergence of the modern state. Volume 3, State of Awe, explores the age of total war with its unprecedented dangers. Volume 4, State of Siege, examines the present era of insurgency and asymmetrical conflict.
Volume 1:
Foreword: Between Fear and Hope ix
Joel M. Ostrow
Introduction: Reimagining Realism: History's xiii
Roadmap from Theory to Action
Ambassador David T. Killion
Set Introduction: Realism: A Retrospective xvii
1 Leviathan Reloaded: Restoring Order in an 1 (46)
Age of Chaos
2 International Order and Its Causal 47 (52)
Ambiguity: Individual Visions---A Closer
Look
3 Foundational Tools of Order: Language, 99 (48)
Knowledge, and Theory
4 Realist Theory and Political Action: 147 (40)
Classical Foundations of Order
5 The Resurrection, and the Birth of the 187
Philosopher King
Timeline 243 (6)
Notes 249 (20)
Bibliography 269 (6)
Index 275 (1)
Volume 2:
Foreword: Between Fear and Hope ix
Joel M. Ostrow
Introduction: Reimagining Realism: History's xiii
Roadmap from Theory to Action
Ambassador David T. Killion
Set Introduction: Realism: A Retrospective xvii
1 The Rebirth of Realism and the Rise of 1 (16)
the Modern State: Toward a Restoration of
Classical Order
2 Machiavelli's Dream: Sovereign Creation 17 (58)
and the Journey from Prince to Republic
3 The Ultimate Constructive Realist: Thomas 75 (64)
Hobbes and the Rise of the Leviathan
4 In Machiavelli's Shadow: Frederick's 139 (48)
Journey from Anti-Machiavel to Philosopher
King
5 In Leviathan's Shadow: Napoleon's Legacy 187
and the Age of Total War
Timeline 275 (6)
Notes 281 (38)
Bibliography 319 (6)
Index 325
Volume 3:
Foreword: Between Fear and Hope ix
Joel M. Ostrow
Introduction: Reimagining Realism: History's xiii
Roadmap from Theory to Action
Ambassador David T. Killion
Set Introduction: Realism: A Retrospective xvii
Preface: The World after Hiroshima: Nuclear xxxi
Destruction or Reconstruction?
1 From Total to Absolute War: Bernard 1 (38)
Brodie's Clausewitzian Response to the
Absolute Weapon
2 Doomsday Man: Herman Kahn's Jominian 39 (34)
Response---Thinking About the Unthinkable
3 Alternatives to Fear: Challenges to the 73 (44)
Nuclear Order
4 From Nuclear Reality to Neorealism: 117 (52)
Kenneth Waltz and the Wizards of Automation
5 Reconsidering the Problem of Order 169 (38)
6 Bipolar Disorder: From the Chaos of 207
Collapse to a New Era of Complexity
Timeline 271 (6)
Notes 277 (34)
Bibliography 311 (6)
Index 317
Volume 4:
Foreword: Between Fear and Hope ix
Joel M. Ostrow
Introduction: Reimagining Realism: History's xiii
Roadmap from Theory to Action
Ambassador David T. Killion
Set Introduction: Realism: A Retrospective xvii
1 Order in the Age of People's War: 1 (44)
Historical and Philosophical Foundations
2 Order in the Age of Insurgency: From Sun 45 (60)
Tzu to Mao
3 Order in the Age of People-Power: From 105 (72)
Gandhi to Sharp
4 Order in the Age of Jihad: From Osama to 177 (40)
Obama
5 Concluding Thoughts: Restoring Order in 217 (28)
an Age of Global Insurgency
Timeline 245 (6)
Notes 251 (30)
Bibliography 281 (8)
Index 289
Volume 1:
Foreword: Between Fear and Hope ix
Joel M. Ostrow
Introduction: Reimagining Realism: History's xiii
Roadmap from Theory to Action
Ambassador David T. Killion
Set Introduction: Realism: A Retrospective xvii
1 Leviathan Reloaded: Restoring Order in an 1 (46)
Age of Chaos
2 International Order and Its Causal 47 (52)
Ambiguity: Individual Visions---A Closer
Look
3 Foundational Tools of Order: Language, 99 (48)
Knowledge, and Theory
4 Realist Theory and Political Action: 147 (40)
Classical Foundations of Order
5 The Resurrection, and the Birth of the 187
Philosopher King
Timeline 243 (6)
Notes 249 (20)
Bibliography 269 (6)
Index 275 (1)
Volume 2:
Foreword: Between Fear and Hope ix
Joel M. Ostrow
Introduction: Reimagining Realism: History's xiii
Roadmap from Theory to Action
Ambassador David T. Killion
Set Introduction: Realism: A Retrospective xvii
1 The Rebirth of Realism and the Rise of 1 (16)
the Modern State: Toward a Restoration of
Classical Order
2 Machiavelli's Dream: Sovereign Creation 17 (58)
and the Journey from Prince to Republic
3 The Ultimate Constructive Realist: Thomas 75 (64)
Hobbes and the Rise of the Leviathan
4 In Machiavelli's Shadow: Frederick's 139 (48)
Journey from Anti-Machiavel to Philosopher
King
5 In Leviathan's Shadow: Napoleon's Legacy 187
and the Age of Total War
Timeline 275 (6)
Notes 281 (38)
Bibliography 319 (6)
Index 325
Volume 3:
Foreword: Between Fear and Hope ix
Joel M. Ostrow
Introduction: Reimagining Realism: History's xiii
Roadmap from Theory to Action
Ambassador David T. Killion
Set Introduction: Realism: A Retrospective xvii
Preface: The World after Hiroshima: Nuclear xxxi
Destruction or Reconstruction?
1 From Total to Absolute War: Bernard 1 (38)
Brodie's Clausewitzian Response to the
Absolute Weapon
2 Doomsday Man: Herman Kahn's Jominian 39 (34)
Response---Thinking About the Unthinkable
3 Alternatives to Fear: Challenges to the 73 (44)
Nuclear Order
4 From Nuclear Reality to Neorealism: 117 (52)
Kenneth Waltz and the Wizards of Automation
5 Reconsidering the Problem of Order 169 (38)
6 Bipolar Disorder: From the Chaos of 207
Collapse to a New Era of Complexity
Timeline 271 (6)
Notes 277 (34)
Bibliography 311 (6)
Index 317
Volume 4:
Foreword: Between Fear and Hope ix
Joel M. Ostrow
Introduction: Reimagining Realism: History's xiii
Roadmap from Theory to Action
Ambassador David T. Killion
Set Introduction: Realism: A Retrospective xvii
1 Order in the Age of People's War: 1 (44)
Historical and Philosophical Foundations
2 Order in the Age of Insurgency: From Sun 45 (60)
Tzu to Mao
3 Order in the Age of People-Power: From 105 (72)
Gandhi to Sharp
4 Order in the Age of Jihad: From Osama to 177 (40)
Obama
5 Concluding Thoughts: Restoring Order in 217 (28)
an Age of Global Insurgency
Timeline 245 (6)
Notes 251 (30)
Bibliography 281 (8)
Index 289
