Endorsements
"This comprehensive body of work is a meticulously detailed historical, theoretical and philosophical examination of realist theory and its theorists, philosophers, and spiritual, military, and government leaders that have shaped it to the present day. Zellen cleverly compares, blends, and contrasts the most renowned figures of their day, interweaving events, metaphors and analogies in intriguing, compelling, and enlightening ways that enhance—or even challenge—our very understanding of their thoughts, intent, relevance, and application today. This masterfully crafted and superbly researched seminal body of work is destined to be the standard for many years to come."
—Dr. David A. Anderson, Professor of Strategic Studies, and William E. Odom Chair of Joint, Interagency and Multinational Operations, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
"This sweeping and perceptive analysis of strategic thought in the Western world, from classical wars between Greece and Persia to the War of Terror, is sure to stimulate discussion. Zellen's constructive realism sees strategy as action, resurrecting realism from the realm of tragedy to heroic idealism. Theorists, historians, and strategists will find rich food for thought in this search to find theoretical order in humanity's quest for peace and security through the chaos of the last two millennia."
—Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Associate Professor and Chair of History, St. Jerome's University, Canada
"Barry Zellen has produced a masterful overview of realism. This work is almost overwhelming in its comprehensive nature and is a must read for any serious student of international relations."
—Dr. Rob Huebert, Associate Director, Centre for Military and Strategic Studies, University of Calgary
"In this wide-ranging and thorough analysis of the lessons of two thousand years of realist thinking, Zellen explores the border between order and chaos, and offers 'constructive realism' as a prescription for strategic thinkers who want to translate thinking into action."
—Margaret D. Stock, Adjunct Instructor, Political Science Department, University of Alaska Anchorage & Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Military Police Corps, US Army Reserve
"Zellen has produced a theoretical tour-de-force with this much awaited multi-volume exploration of critical issues in theories of state formation and state behavior. This work is an absolute must-read for students of the changing political landscape and the impact that the global war on terror is having on the organization of international politics - and our imaginings of what it means to be in and of this world."
—Timothy R. Tangherlini, Professor, UCLA
"In The Realist Tradition in International Relations: The Foundations of Western Order, Zellen examines the response by theorists of war to total war, and chronicles the evolution in the philosophy of war from the era of limited to total war, through the revolutionary transformations of Napoleonic warfare and into the nuclear age. Zellen compares the competing philosophical traditions of two of the most famous interpreters of Napoleonic warfare, Jomini and Clausewitz, with those of two leading nuclear strategists, Bernard Brodie and Herman Kahn. His efforts will help spark new interest in the nuclear strategists, and their important contribution to the pursuit of order in the age of total war."
—Dr. James A. Russell, Associate Professor, Naval Postgraduate School
"As a civil affairs officer deployed to Anbar Province, Iraq in 2004-05, I wanted to understand where our efforts fit within the historical context of America's strategic and military policy. Zellen's The Realist Tradition in International Relations: The Foundations of Western Order comprehensively and effectively lays out the 'big blue arrows' of American policy."
—Col Jim Burack, Chief of Police and Town Administrator, Milliken, CO; and Colonel, U.S. Marines Reserves.
"Barry Zellen's multi-volume work on realism is an incredible tour d'horizon of 3,000 years of realist theory and its political utility, from Socrates to today's war on terror. His development of a new theoretical field—constructive realism—represents a welcome contribution to international relations theory and serves as a bridge between constructivism and its realist roots. I highly recommend this set to any student, teacher, or real-world practitioner of international relations."
—Dr. Jeffrey A. Larsen, President, Larsen Consulting Group, and Adjunct Professor, Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver