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Realism and Reflexivity: Morgenthau, Academic Freedom, and Dissent

Molloy, Sean P (2020) Realism and Reflexivity: Morgenthau, Academic Freedom, and Dissent. European Journal of International Relations, 26 (2). pp. 321-343. ISSN 1354-0661. (doi:10.1177/1354066119868283) (KAR id:98212)

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Abstract

Primarily known as a pioneer of International Relations (IR) theory, Hans Morgenthau also wrote on a series of other political themes. Especially prominent in his later career is a concern with the right and duty of a theorist to exercise academic freedom as a critic of government power and, especially in this particular case, of US foreign policy. For Morgenthau the responsibility to hold governments to account by reference to the ‘higher laws’ that underpin and legitimize democracy in its truest form was a key function of the theorist in society. Dissensus and healthy debate characterize genuine democracy for Morgenthau who was perturbed by what he perceived to be a worrying concern with conformity and consensus among the political and academic elites of Vietnam War era America. This article investigates the theoretical and philosophical commitments that explain why Morgenthau felt compelled to oppose the government of his adopted state and the consequences of his having done so. For all the vicissitudes he endured, Morgenthau ultimately emerged vindicated from his clash with the political elite and his experience serves as an exemplary case of the effective use of academic freedom to oppose government policy by means of balanced, judicious critique. In the final section I argue that Morgenthau’s approach to theory, theorization and the role of the intellectual in society provides valuable insights into the nature of reflexivity in IR that are of relevance to contemporary debates in the discipline.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1177/1354066119868283
Uncontrolled keywords: Realism, reflexivity, dissent. Morgenthau, academic freedom
Subjects: J Political Science > JZ International relations
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Politics and International Relations
Funders: University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
Depositing User: Sean Molloy
Date Deposited: 21 Nov 2022 15:34 UTC
Last Modified: 22 Nov 2022 15:26 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/98212 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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