Towards a Comprehensive Theory of International Relations: The New French School of So-ciological Liberalism

Abstract

Aron’s work initially gained more recognition in the United States, where influential figures such as Morgenthau, Kissinger, and Young engaged with his ideas, although his work is not based on a strict separation of International Relations with the other fields of Human Sciences. Aron’s interdisciplinary foundation, encompassing philosophy, political science, sociology, and history, laid the groundwork for his unique approach, allowing to understand conflicts between policies as intertwined with other social processes (inside and outside the polity). His renowned work Peace and War transcended diplomatic actions, delving into interstate relations, value conflicts, mutual perceptions, and political power’s essence, encapsulating an ontology of international relations. Regrettably, Aron’s research, developed within the Center for European Sociology, is often oversimplified or misconstrued. Aron’s sociological approach also diverged from French and English IR schools. Inspired by Weber, Marx, and French thinkers, he emphasized cultural context, individual action, and conflict’s role in history. Despite subsequent literature, Aron’s work and approach to IR have unfortunately been marginalized. This study aims to revive Aron’s contributions, investigating their applicability in contemporary international relations. Aron’s multidisciplinary tradition offers an alternative to mainstream IR theories, providing a more nuanced perspective on evolving global politics. By placing Aron’s vision within a broader social sciences context, this paper advocates for a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to IR, reinvigorating his sociological liberalism for modern challenges.