This book takes radical aim at the conventional conduct of international relations analysis. It reexamines the role of ideas, the usefulness of psychoanalysis, the rage for and at rational choice, the influence of the public on foreign policy, counterinsurgency evangelism, and development orthodoxies at the national and genetic levels. Drawing a bead on conceptual blind spots prevalent both inside and outside the academy, the book urges scholars to reflect on how inner worlds shape the actions of their subjects—and their own research analyses, as well. 

“Jacobsen delivers, in this wide-ranging, persuasively-argued and brilliant volume a comprehensive hammering to all thin models of rational human action: a hammering from which they will not soon recover. In political science and international relations theory, he is that rare fish who insists on talking about the water. As critique and as a robust defense of a broader understanding of politics, it excels magnificently.” (James C. Scott, Sterling Professor of Political Science and Anthropology, Yale University, USA)

“Through an eclectic set of case studies and a wide array of literature—and always written with elan—Kurt Jacobsen offers a sophisticated unmasking of the “masks of reason” in various areas of international politics.  Positivist methods, constructivism, realism, counterinsurgency theory, and neoliberal economics pass under his critical eye, provoking readers to think on every pa

ge.” (Ken Booth, President of the David Davies Memorial Institute of International Affairs, Department of International Politics, Aberystwyth University, UK, and Editor of International Relations)

“Masks of Reason develops a rewarding methodologically pluralist overview of contemporary mainstream international relations scholarship, which turns to Mannheim, Freud, and the Frankfurt School to articulate a nuanced critique of the delusions and dysfunctionalities at the heart of “disciplinary IR.” From the failings of constructivist and rational decision-making analysis to the flaws in counterinsurgency doctrine and neoliberal development, Jacobsen's relationalist criticism unmasks why the orthodoxies of professional correctness must be left behind by international relations scholars to deal with today's domestic challenges and foreign threats.” (Timothy W. Luke, University Distinguished Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, USA)

Reintroduces neglected psychoanalytic insights into International Relations Demonstrates vibrant critical theory alternatives to formal models Challenges mainstream shibboleths and academic groupthink in political science Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras