Literary Figures and International Thought: The Archetypal Case of Thomas Hardy

How may literary figures contribute to international thought? This article addresses this question using the previously neglected yet archetypal case of novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, who pioneered the term ‘international thought’ in the early 20th century. In its analysis of the Hardy case, the article offers a framework elucidating how literary figures may contribute to international thought not only through direct theoretical and conceptual advancements but also indirectly in their use of literary techniques to reimagine the international and through their public figure status. The analysis draws attention to Hardy’s challenge to anthropocentric approaches to peace and his educational, emotional and humanitarian approaches to internationalism that may offer valuable alternatives to dominant rationalist perspectives in addressing a world confronted by ecological crisis and populist leaderships. The article acknowledges tensions in Hardy’s international thought and offers the lineaments of a research agenda for further inquiry into literary figures and international relations.