Scientific Cosmology and International Orders

‘Bentley B. Allan’s Scientific Cosmology and International Orders demonstrates that it remains possible for scholars of international relations to write bold, original, and ambitious books. There have been other books written about world order, but nothing like this one. By developing and deploying the concept of cosmology, he considers how fundamental ways of understanding knowledge, origins, and the relationship between the self and the universe have worked their way through states to transform the fundamental workings of international order. Allan broadens our understanding of the relationship between science and global society, and in doing so tackles the question of international change in a highly provocative way. This is 'grand theory' at its very best.’ Michael N. Barnett, George Washington University, Washington DC

‘This ambitious and eye-opening book takes two bold steps. In taking a step back, it traces how the rise of European science since the sixteenth century transformed the image of the universe, the role of humanity in the cosmos and thus the purposes of the state. In taking a step forward, it identifies the mechanisms that have made these changes possible. Beyond this creative combination of history and social science, Scientific Cosmology and International Orders reminds us again that creative thought about the past alerts us to the existence of unimaginable futures. Every tomorrow has its own history.’ Peter J. Katzenstein, Walter S. Carpenter, Jr Professor of International Studies, Cornell University, New York