I am an international relations theorist at the University of Salzburg in Austria and Durham University in the United Kingdom. I am particularly interested in the Classical approach to the theory of world politics. Above all else, I am a liberal foreign-policy realist, which means that I believe that open society ideals are important in democracy and international society.
Books
Hans Kelsen’s Political Realism calls the bluff of today’s Schmittians, and within the intellectual context of the open society ideal, highlights the possibility of progress and peace in a rough world.
“Presents a new Kelsen: the progressive political realist. A major step forwards for Kelsen scholarship.” – Clemens Jabloner
“A totally unexpected Kelsen – Biographical. Philosophical. A light on our times.” – George Soros
“Very timely. A new rendering of this iconic Austrian-American’s life and thought: Hans Kelsen on war and peace.” – Wolfgang Petritsch
“Hans Kelsen lived through it all, and when you read his work through his life, as Robert Schuett does here, you earn a privileged insight into what was at stake in the 20th century, and why. As that 20th century drips on, you will want to pay attention to this.” – Miles Hollingworth
“In this engaging account of Hans Kelsen’s life and work, Robert Schuett shows how Kelsen’s methodological individualism resolves the antinomies of form and force, law and politics, the state and human nature, pure theory and responsible realism, thus anchoring a powerful alternative to Carl Schmitt’s organic conception of rule.” – Nicholas G. Onuf
“Robert Schuett, in this accessible and exciting book, brings this grand figure out from the shadows.” – Stephen P. Turner
“Robert Schuett’s account is a pioneering and fascinating insight into the political vision and commitment of one of the most important intellectual figures of the twentieth century. It is a brilliant and sophisticated portrayal of Hans Kelsen as a political theorist and actor and makes a compelling case for his continued political relevance.” – Peter M.R. Stirk
The Edinburgh Companion to Political Realism, co-edited with Miles Hollingworth, explores the 2000-year history of realist political thought.
The Concept of the State in International Relations, co-edited with Peter M.R. Stirk, offers a critical re-assessment of the concepts of the state and sovereignty.
“This superb collection ranges across historical, theoretical, and empirical landscapes, providing challenging and incisive insights into key issues of our time. A first rate-book.” – Michael C. Williams
Based on my dissertation, Political Realism, Freud, and Human Nature in International Relations (2010) analyses several key phases of realist IR theory with respect to its use or rejection of the idea of human nature.
“This book makes an important contribution to the burgeoning literature that is currently re-examining the essential characteristics of political realism.” – Richard Little
“This book fills an intriguing gap in the history of International Relations and makes a challenging case for rethinking the significance of both Freud and human nature for international political theory today.” – Michael C. Williams
Teaching
My most recent seminars have focused on the positive and normative aspects of IR theories:
- Political Realism
- Doing IR Theory
- The Theory-Practice Gap
Bio note
I received my M.A. by Research (2005) and Ph.D. in Politics (2009) at Durham University’s School of Government and International Affairs, and now live and work in Vienna.
The Chairman of my supervisory team was John Williams (Durham), and my External Examiners were Chris Brown (LSE) and Richard Little (Bristol) respectively.
In 2007 I was a visiting doctoral student at LUISS University in Rome, and in 2010 I was a Visiting Scholar in the Psychology department of the University of California in San Diego.
Currently, I am a Visiting Fellow in the Political Science department at the University of Salzburg, where I teach undergraduates as well as graduate students.
What’s more, I am an Honorary Fellow in the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University, England. And, I am a Castleman.
Contact
The best way to get in touch with me is through my University channels or by emailing office@robertschuett.com