Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Eric Voegelin and Michael Oakeshott are famous for their similar critiques of modernity: gnosticism and rationalism, respectively. Given the striking similarities of these two constructs one would expect Voegelin and Oakeshott to approach Hobbes from a similar perspective. Yet they do not. This paper investigates why their approaches are so different; namely, why Voegelin considers Hobbes a gnostic while for Oakeshott Hobbes is no rationalist.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Recent rationalist approaches in IR, both realist and liberal, lack sensitivity to indigenous social context and therefore fail to offer a comprehensive theory of foreign policy. Structural realists either openly admit their disinterest in foreign policy or assume it to be a rational, however imperfect, response to systemic developments. Liberals too tend to overplay the role of international/global forces leaving for states little room for pursuing independent foreign policies. The paper selects examples from Russia's post-Soviet developments to support the argument

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper focuses on institutions as both material and ideational phenomena and demonstrates how a combination of rationalist and constructivist insights can provide a more complete understanding of the member state-IO relationship. In this regard, the paper shows that an IO's institutional design enables independent IO actions not simply by delineating procedures or delegating resources to the IO, but also by shaping IO officials and member states' understanding of the IO's role and expertise. These outcomes reflect two central features of the IO's institutional design. First, the IO's organizational capacity captures the discretion its officials enjoy to fulfill the tasks delegated to it, and by consequence, the extent to which IO officials learn how to fulfill the IO's mandate and the legitimacy member states accord to IO officials' recommendations. Second, the IO's hiring procedures affect member states' capacity to sanction IO officials and IO officials' understanding of their roles and members' recognition of IO officials' expertise and neutrality. The argument is applied to the World Trade Organization and World Health Organization.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The study analyses the impact of various cultural and rationalist variables on support for different aspects of democracy in selected Latin American countries, using data from the World Values Survey.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper poses the question of Edmund Burke's political and philosophical conservatism. While it seems clear that he had conservative political goals, it is not clear that his philosophical grounds proved conducive to his conservative politics.