The Fundamental Political Problems

Abstract

Many of the political conflicts that have manifested themselves in international organisations resemble those that have been fought out in political institutions from time immemorial, and about which political philosophers have debated and dissented for centuries: disputes between liberals and authoritarians, conservatives and socialists, believers in big government and in little government. Though often wrapped up in the cruder war-paint of national rivalry and ideological conflict (just as within states the conflict of abstract principles is often transmitted into the slogans and platforms of individual parties or classes), almost identical principles have been involved.