Hegel, Tragedy and International Relations - Reflecting on a Polarized World

This book offers a reintroduction of Hegelian philosophy to International Relations (IR) theory. Moving beyond conventional realist and constructivist interpretations, Gkoutzioulis draws on Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit, Encyclopedia, Philosophy of Right and analysis of ancient Greek tragedy to develop fresh epistemological insights. This innovative approach challenges unidimensional methods while illuminating contemporary issues from human rights to (international) law. By exploring how epistemological dualisms create incomplete understandings of the universal and particular public and private spheres, the book demonstrates how Hegelian dialectic can enrich critical theorising in IR. It is essential for scholars of International Relations theory, political philosophy and critical theory seeking sophisticated analytical frameworks for understanding our polarized world through immanent critique and self-reflection.