Political Geographies of Spirit: Augustine and International Relations

Analyzing Augustine of Hippo is still relevant to key epistemological and normative debates in international relations, political geography, and political philosophy. But he has not received enough systematic attention in discussions of international politics. Filling in the respective lacunae would thus be novel. This paper aims to outline a systematic view of Augustine as a thinker who offers thought-provoking ideas on all levels of international politics and their interconnections, ideas that go beyond any narrow theoretical perspective. Methodologically, my reading of Augustine takes into account his historical context but privileges the more general ideas on international relations broadly conceived. I identify the relevant epistemological, behavioral, and ethical aspects across the three Waltzian levels of individuals, states, and international politics. All the three levels are interconnected: Augustine is neither a reductionist nor a structuralist. Some ideas in Augustine, such as those on just war, require criticisms. Yet, even those ideas that stress human limitations are important, as they warn against excessive optimism, especially in international relations. Augustine also suggests numerous constructive political opportunities that have been less noted. His views guard against any simplistic notions of human nature. Even an earthly polity is able to attain a degree of justice that would marry obedience and freedom. And his vision for international politics features a striving for peace, and a basic solidarity of the humanity coupled with respect for differences and balance between states. Augustine turns out to combine elements of realism, idealism, and constructivism.