1st Edition
Literature and International Relations Stories in the Art of Diplomacy
Making a strong case for the relevance of literary production to understanding international relations, this persuasive volume highlights the potential rewards of developing a methodology to bring literature to bear on a discipline which has tended to neglect fictional sources. Paul Sheeran considers the deep insight that can be gained from the study of key works in fiction and literature to enhance knowledge of the social forces shaping world affairs. While there are numerous relevant works, the author has carefully selected multi-faceted and colourful sources of material to explore developments in contemporary global issues such as the demise of the Soviet Union, the attack on the World Trade Centre, infectious diseases and human conflict. This exciting book enthusiastically breaks new ground and is highly suitable for courses on international relations, cultural studies and literature.
Biography
Dr Paul Sheeran is Masters Programme Director at the University of Winchester, UK.
'A unique book at the interface of world literature and international relations studies; we go from Karen Blixen to Milan Kundera via Edward Said and John Major...At times it reads like a novel, at times it teaches liberal yet controversial lessons of world politics...Both scholarly and impressionistic, this clever book convincingly explores a new form of (postmodern?) academic writing.' Loykie L. Lominé, International Baccalaureate Organization, France
