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The Melian Dialogue, Power, and Justice
About this film
Hello, my name is Protesilaos Stavrou. This seminar is the second entry in a series about Realism in international relations. The first item was about the myth of the Ring of Gyges and exceptionalism in world politics . I recommend you study that first, though it is not strictly necessary. In this episode I will discuss the relationship between the balance of power and the system of justice in international affairs. The main argument is that inter-state conventions are upheld when no side overpowers the rest, in context-dependent or absolute terms. An uneven distribution of power and control creates the conditions for abusive behaviour, ultimately undermining international justice. The analysis is centred on the Melian Dialogue . This is a passage from the History of the Peloponnesean War by Thucydides ( Thou-sea-dee-dis ) or rather Thou-key-thee-this . It servers as a prime example of the thinking of greater powers and the incentives they have to abide by established norms when doing so is contrary to their interests. The Melian Dialogue The Melian Dialogue involves Athens, as a superpower of the time, and Melos, a small colony that tried to maintain its neutrality in the Peloponn…
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Protesilaos Stavrou
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