Emile’s Invitation to Study International Politics

Emile deserves a place of prominence in Rousseau’s account of international relations. Emile acknowledges but ultimately collapses the dichotomy that one must live either as a self-sufficient individual or as a citizen subordinated to a political whole. Instead, as illustrated in the protagonist’s education, one must struggle to create meaning and justice in the space between individual and citizen. Emile’s education culminates in his renunciation of politics. However, Rousseau makes it clear that the rejection of politics is ultimately untenable for Emile and inaccessible to readers: human beings are enmeshed in politics. Observing Emile’s development, readers learn to consider their relationships with familial, national, and cosmopolitan responsibilities. Ultimately, Emile functions as an invitation to take up the work of studying and improving the dynamics of politics, including international relations.