ABSTRACT
Anarchy may be a characteristic feature of international politics, but states nevertheless comprise a society – anarchical international society. Is such a society powerful enough to limit violence?
English school is about examining orders and rationality in international politics. It has provided an alternative to ‘American’ mainstream theories by exploring and developing ideas of Grotius, in particular on natural law and justice. Grotius, Bull and modern adepts of the English school would all agree that wars are usually bad decisions. There is almost always a better alternative, rooted in norms, practices and agreements.
States’ interests are changing over time. That’s why history matters. English school pays much attention to it, and this chapter also pays some. After all, societies are historically conditioned; and they shape environments and meanings for states’ foreign policies.
