Legitimacy in International Society [Paperback]

Policy makers and publics alike regularly debate the legitimacy of international events, such as the war on terror, or war in Iraq. But what exactly does legitimacy mean in an international setting? This major new work provides the first historically and theoretically grounded analysis of this critical issue in contemporary society. Drawing on both historical and recent events, Clark provides a lucid demonstration of how legitimacy is a highly political condition, related in complex ways to consensus, other values, and balances of power.


Introduction
1. International Legitimacy
Part I: Historical International Society
2. Europe and the Scope of International Society
3. Westphalia: The Origins of International Legitimacy?
4. Utrecht: Consensus, Balance of Power, and Legitimacy
5. Revolutionary and Legitimate Orders: Revolution, War, and the Vienna Settlement
6. Versailles: The Making of an Illegitimate Order?
7. Legitimacy and the Dual Settlement of 1945
Part II: Contemporary International Society
8. Legitimacy after the Cold War
9. Legitimacy and Rightful Membership
10. Legitimacy and Consensus
11. Legitimacy and Norms
12. Legitimacy and Equilibrium
Conclusion

Ian Clark's book offers the most comprehensive analysis of legitimacy in international relations available today, in the process breathing new life into the concept of international society. Few international relations scholars today can demonstrate such range and relevance. --Perspectives onPolitics

In short, this is a superb, provocative volume that has in one swoop placed legitimacy firmly on the agenda and significantly raised the intellectual bar on its study. It is essential and rewarding reading. --International Affairs

Ian Clark'sLegitimacy in International Societyis a timely contribution...Clark has provided us with a rich understanding of the rolel³&