10. Les relations internationales au 18e siècle. Réflexions critiques et esquisse d'une méthodologie

10. Georges Livet : International relations in the 1 8th century. Critical reflections and outline of a methodology. Seen from the 20th Century, the study of international relations in the Century of the Enlightenment seems essential. It is the point in time when two key-powers in the modern world appeared on the scene : Russia and the United States. The emancipation of Latin America is equally being prepared. Yet it is in its specific importance that we must consider this Century, when maritim problems become extremely important and the outlines of future colonial empires are drawn. The notion of " foreign lands " becomes more precise and varied : Asia is everywhere present, if Africa remains absent. What did the Enlightenment bring with it in the domain of international relations ? Essentially a certain conception of man. " Men of all times " said Volney " are united by the same interests and the same pleasures Interests and pleasures including the spiritual kind, the common lot of a humanity whose natural state, for Kant as for Hobbes, was war since the state of peace could only be ushered in by a deliberate course of action. The real ordering of international relations remains to be undertaken. The contrast is striking between the cynical realism of certain and the declarations of intent or the a posteriori justifications which also constitute part of the arsenal of combat. In spite of the progress of knowledge, diplomatic organisation remains classic in style. However, a revision of values is outlined at the same time as new ideas come into being which will contribute, on account of their explosive dynamism, to giving a new face to international relations.Livet Georges. 10. Les relations internationales au 18e siècle. Réflexions critiques et esquisse d'une méthodologie . In: Dix-huitième Siècle, n°5, 1973. Problèmes actuels de la recherche, sous la direction de Jacques Proust . pp. 97-109