ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the relevance of Raymond Aron's historical and philosophical approach to some relatively recent formulations in global affairs. Aron's theory of International Relations (IR) is not only still relevant despite the systemic changes that have occurred since the end of the Cold War, but in fact has taken on an increased significance. Aron's work provides a helpful way to analyze the complexity of the world system based on a balanced synthesis of principled realism and realistic idealism. This synthesis can help avoid the flaws of both unrealistic realism and immoral moralism in addressing such issues as the "global war on terror", the management of migration flows, and violations of human rights and/or civil liberties. In contrast to many scholars of ethics in IR, Aron's work offers a praxeology that transcends the distinction between conviction and responsibility. Aron provided an extremely accurate analysis of the international system during the Cold War.
