The 21st century is rife with tensions and conflict among cultures, peoples, and persons. In this thought-provoking book, Claes G. Ryn explores the great danger of turbulence and war and propounds a strongly argued thesis about what can make peaceful relations possible.
 
Many trust in “democracy,” “capitalism,” “liberal tolerance,” scientific progress, or general enlightenment to create peace and order. Ryn contends that the problem is deeper and more complex than usually recognized and that peaceful, respectful relations have demanding moral and cultural prerequisites.
 
One Western philosophical tradition, for which Plato sets the pattern, maintains that unity can be achieved only if diversity gives way to universality. Diversity must yield to a homogenizing transcendent good.  A very different Western tradition, represented today by post-modern multiculturalism, denies the existence of universality altogether and celebrates diversity, which leaves unanswered the question of what will avert conflict. Ryn questions both of these positions and argues that universality and particularity, unity and diversity, are potentially compatible. He advances the thesis that a certain way of cultivating what is distinctive to persons, peoples, and cultures can enrich and strengthen our common humanity and increase the likelihood of peace.
 
In A Common Human Ground, now with a new preface by the author, Ryn sets forth a philosophy of human interaction that he applies to foreign policy and international relations, notably the issue of war and peace. Philosophical but not technical, scholarly but not specialized, Ryn’s well-received work is interdisciplinary, ranging from politics to literature and the arts.

"A major contribution to both political philosophy and international relations, A Common Human Ground provides profound reflections on international relations that can help midwife a less fragmented and conflict-ridden world."—Eric Adler, The Russell Kirk Center
 

“A Common Human Ground is essential reading for numerous reasons. Lacking any polemical traces or academic jargon, it lays out an approach to foreign affairs and human life that seems most likely to convince the skeptical. It is thus an especially valuable read for Ryn’s philosophical opponents. Some may simplistically dismiss conservative dovishness by presuming it ineluctably stems from selfish impulses encapsulated in the slogan “America First.” On the contrary, Ryn shows that such an outlook can spring from noble impulses to respect other nations and foment peace. A major contribution to both political philosophy and international relations, A Common Human Ground provides profound reflections on international relations that can help midwife a less fragmented and conflict-ridden world.”—The University Bookman