ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with David Mitrany's theory of government, especially how it used a particular nineteenth century view of progress, and how Mitrany saw the evolution of government in the context of the question of human needs. This conception of government will be expanded in order to show how this translated into Mitrany's propositions about the utility and form of international functional organisations. A complete rethinking was required, and Mitrany suggested the establishment of function-specific international organisations–the functional approach of world politics. Mitrany believed that his functional approach would safeguard cultural difference, while at the same time preventing culture from being a determinant of international action. The chapter looks at how Mitrany interpreted culture and ideology, which were, potential irritants to liberal internationalist schemes aimed at cosmopolitan peace. Mitrany regarded national planning as likely to increase the chance of war.
