Book Review: History and International Relations by Thomas W. Smith

Thomas W. Smith’s History and International Relations is a profound examination of how historical narratives shape and inform the field of international relations (IR). Published as part of Routledge’s Advances in International Relations and Politics series, this book scrutinizes the methodologies that scholars of IR employ when engaging with history.

Overview

Smith challenges the common assumption that history serves as an objective and unproblematic foundation for IR theory. He examines the ways in which international relations scholars selectively interpret historical events to fit pre-existing theoretical frameworks. The book is structured around key debates in the philosophy and methodology of history, questioning the extent to which IR theories distort historical realities for theoretical convenience.

The author draws on a wide range of historiographic perspectives, from classical realism to structuralism, postmodernism, and quantitative approaches. He critically assesses the works of major IR scholars, including Reinhold Niebuhr, E.H. Carr, Hans Morgenthau, Kenneth Waltz, and J. David Singer, highlighting how their theories incorporate (or misinterpret) historical events.

Key Themes

• The Politics of Historical Interpretation
  Smith argues that history is often used in IR not as a neutral record of the past but as a tool to legitimize certain theoretical positions. He critiques anecdotalism, selection bias, and theoretical filtering as common pitfalls that distort historical analysis in IR.

• Realism and History
  The book examines how realist thinkers like Niebuhr and Morgenthau approached history, showing that their theoretical frameworks often relied on selective readings of historical events. For instance, Smith discusses how Morgenthau’s use of historical analogies contributed to the development of his theory of power politics.

• Quantitative and Structural Approaches
  Smith critiques neorealist and structuralist approaches that attempt to derive laws of international politics from history. He argues that attempts to quantify historical patterns often oversimplify complex and contingent events.

• Postmodernism and Historical Skepticism
  The book also explores postmodern critiques of history in IR, discussing how poststructuralist scholars challenge the very possibility of objective historical knowledge. Smith acknowledges the importance of this critique but warns against extreme historical relativism that could render IR theory meaningless.

Strengths and Contributions

One of the book’s major strengths is its interdisciplinary approach. Smith successfully bridges the gap between historiography and IR, offering insights that are valuable to scholars in both fields. His discussion of methodological problems in IR history is particularly useful for students and researchers looking to critically engage with historical sources.

Another strength is the breadth of theoretical perspectives covered. By engaging with classical, structural, and postmodernist approaches, Smith provides a comprehensive overview of the debates surrounding history’s role in IR.

Criticism and Limitations

While Smith provides a compelling critique of IR’s engagement with history, he does not offer a clear alternative methodological framework for integrating history into IR scholarship. His skepticism toward both positivist and postmodernist approaches leaves the reader questioning what an ideal historical method in IR should look like.

Additionally, the book’s heavy focus on theoretical debates may be challenging for readers unfamiliar with historiography or IR theory. A more practical discussion of how policymakers and analysts use history in real-world decision-making would have strengthened the book’s applicability.

Conclusion

History and International Relations is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of history and IR. Smith’s work is a valuable critique of how IR scholars engage with history, providing a necessary call for methodological rigor and self-awareness in the field. While the book’s theoretical depth may make it challenging for beginners, it is an indispensable resource for advanced students and scholars of international relations and political history.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)