Abstract

This dissertation reflects on the scholarship of Inis L. Claude, Jr. It aims to fill a gap in international-relations literature by placing Claude in the context of both IR theories and world-order studies. To this date Claude has been misunderstood; he has been classified either as a "Realist" or an "Idealist." An objective and close reading of his writings, however, demonstrates that in fact he has a distinct philosophical approach to international relations that may be called pragmatic liberalism . He holds deep liberal principles, but at the same time believes that these principles can best be realized in the international system through a pragmatic method. Though they share many characteristics, liberalism and pragmatism complement each other. The result is a pluralistic philosophy that treats change and progress in the system as a "possibility." Therefore, both Realism's pessimistic cyclical world view and Idealism's optimism have been rejected by Claude. ;World order, according to Claude, refers not only to the absence of a major war in the system but also to a social order. Establishing such a world order requires to address both inter-state and intra-state problems. This dual agenda places various responsibilities on the shoulders of international organizations and states. Organizations may contribute to order by their management of power functions such as peacekeeping and pacific settlement of disputes as well as other functions that would ultimately help political units to stand on their own feet, whereas the state may be the only powerful actor in the system to deter and, if necessary, to defeat those actors that threaten world order. Fighting, then, is the business of states. Neither romantic nor Realpolitik understanding of use of force would be productive for world order. Moreover, initiation and successful implementation of these state and organizational functions require strong and responsible leaders both at the international and domestic levels. ;This institutional design, however, is not the final word on international relations. If scholarship is about one thing, according to Claude it is about "questioning the answers," rather than providing answers. The dissertation therefore questions the easy answers so far given to the problem of disorder