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9781107535008

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'Before Anarchy is well written, well researched, and nicely structured. It develops a persuasive and thought-provoking argument through historically and theoretically informed engagements with several key thinkers in the IR canon. Christov tackles a broad disciplinary problem of breaking down an artificial distinction between the domestic and international and through that political theory and international relations theory, as well as helps facilitate discussion between realists on both sides of the divide. Both of these are very valuable contributions to the literature.' Matt Sleat, University of Sheffield 'Before Anarchy is a rich and meticulously researched manuscript that will shed light on many issues of interest to scholars and students alike. This is a must-read text for anyone who wishes to grasp a clearer understanding of Hobbes and his legacy, those interested in questions of sovereignty, and all students of the history of ideas (and in particular those focused on early modernity).' Daniel Brunstetter, University of California, Irvine 'Cleverly titled and smartly executed, Before Anarchy by Theodore Christov does nothing less than unite the two crowns of 'state' - domestic and international - by way of an exacting reading of what Thomas Hobbes really wrote, in context, 'before anarchy' overran modern international thought. It also traces the reception and reduction of Hobbes by his critics Pufendorf, Cumberland, Vattel, Rousseau, and twentieth-century theorists who - not Hobbes - invented 'Hobbesian anarchy'. This is historical political theory as it should be done.' James Farr, Northwestern University 'Until recently, political theorists have tended to neglect Hobbes' international thought, while international relations scholars have ignored the context of his broader political theory. Theodore Christov's excellent book is a welcome addition to the growing literature that is correcting these tendencies, as well as being a fine example of a productive conversation between political theory, international relations and the history of political thought. He recaptures a Hobbes 'before anarchy', but also helps us understand why Hobbes remains so vital today for both political theory and IR.' Duncan Ivison, University of Sydney

Author Information

Theodore Christov is Assistant Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University, Washington, DC, where he teaches intellectual history and political theory. He is also a Faculty Affiliate at the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs. He has previously served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Theory at Northwestern University, Illinois. His research interests lie in international political thought, early modern and modern political theory, and classical theories of international relations. He has published on Hobbes and international thought, Vattel and the liberal state, and the federal idea of early modern Europe.

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