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This book deals with the morality, self-conception and honour of states, something that goes well beyond the narrow, rationalist defence of national interests, which dominates most IR studies. The volume pursues this line of thinking by focussing on three different but interconnected thematics: political moralism, the honour of states and the peace/war-problematic. The moral self-conception of states – which comes most clearly to the fore in situations of war – rests on the ideal conception of ‘all of us’, which includes all citizens, all classes and all generations, set against their opposite numbers outside of ‘our’ immediate sphere of domination. This state-based image of itself and its existential teleology constitutes its very essence, notwithstanding that it is often seen as a deviation (‘exception’) from the normal state of affairs, where the state is ‘just ‘ there to serve and support the economy and its principal actors. All three chapters thus revolve around issues that relate to the interaction of war and democracy and the underlying morality that both legitimates and underpins the actions of politicians as well as citizens.
‘Hedetoft’s essay is extremely timely. It brings to light issues of morality, honour and prestige – topics largely neglected in mainstream International Relations research. Using the Russo-Ukrainian war as an example, it enhances our under-standing of how wars are legitimised by political leaders seeking to secure domestic loyalty and win over international public opinion.’ — Bo Petersson, Professor of Political Science at Malmö University, Sweden
‘In his far-ranging analysis of critical issues concerned with morality, national honour, prestige, tolerance and war – along with a flurry of European case studies – Professor Hedetoft provocatively concludes that “political morality is a strange creature, always ready to provide political actors with the clean conscience they need when they set even the most horrific events in motion”. He raises a further question: Does a state wage war only because national honour is at stake? This book provides a whirlwind of intelligent thought scholars will embrace.’ — Raymond Taras, Professor Emeritus, Tulane University, USA
Original, erudite, insightful, thought-provoking, exceptionally well crafted, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Morality of Politics: States, Honour and War" by Professor Ulf Hedetoft is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library International Studies & Political Science collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. —Midwest
Hedetoft is very adept at integrating abstract concepts with contemporary realities, particularly in the context of Max Weber’s treatment of states as holding the legitimate monopoly on the use of force and violence.[...] Employing a language and terminology that are accessible for a wide audience ... Hedetoft’s book offers a valuable contribution to the field, ensuring its relevance in the 2020s. —International Affairs
Ulf Hedetoft is Professor, dr. phil., at the University of Copenhagen. His research interests include the theory and history of state, sovereignty and nationalism, with a special focus on Europe.
Introduction ; 1 Political Morality: A Critique of State-Citizen Relations; 2 The Honour and Prestige of States; War, Peace and Morality: 10 Theses on the Cost of Freedom – and a Case Study of the War in Ukraine; – and a Case Study of the War in Ukraine ; Epilogue ; References