Political Theory Without Borders: An Introduction

Political theorists of old had much to say about war and peace, and issues arising from them. Those political theorists of universalist inclination have always insisted that the same principles should apply everywhere alike. In political theory, as in political practice, proffered rules governing relations among and across principalities tended to be essentially Westphalian. This chapter provides an overview if the key concepts discussed in the various parts of this book. Or so it had long been thought, within both political theory and political practice. It would be wrong to claim that political theorists have fully theorized all these new developments. Still, political theorists have not been remiss in engaging with and responding critically and creatively to the new sociopolitical and intellectual landscape that is rapidly emerging as the old Westphalian borders are increasing drained of practical relevance.