Culture,Change and the Meaning of History: Reflections on Richard Lebow's New Theory of International Relations

Abstract

In my critique of Richard Lebow's new A Cultural Theory of International Relations I highlight a lack of sensitivity to the problem of structural change. Contrary to Lebow's claim to be more attuned to change than existing IR theory, I contend that his exclusive focus on the recurrence of certain behavioural patterns in the course of history is insufficient as a foundation for a new grand theory. Interesting as it may be, this focus is restrictive even with regard to the concept of culture on which it is based. Thus, religion and ideology, which surely must be classified as cultural phenomena, are virtually ignored. Last but not least, I fault the book for its cavalier, indeed often cartoonish, treatment of the historical record. The book falls far short of the `sympathetic reliving' of the past that it promises; the argument is, moreover, seriously impaired by the myriad factual mistakes that the book contains.