Building the Temple of Peace: The Statesmanship of Winston Churchill
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Institution Granting Degree
University of Dallas
First Advisor
Leo Paul de Alvarez
Second Advisor
Jack Paynter
Third Advisor
R.J. Pestritto
Keywords
Cedarville, history, government, Winston Churchill
Abstract
This dissertation is an attempt to begin to fill a gap in the body of Churchill scholarship. While there are numerous historical and biographical treatments of Churchill, they tend to be merely descriptive; they do not pursue the philosophical underpinnings of his political activity. Churchill is a political figure who is accorded the appellation “statesman” by almost everyone, but very few scholarly attempts have been made to demonstrate why he is deserving of the title. The dissertation operates on the premise that the activity of the statesman is informed by a coherent body of political thought and is thereby raised above the level of common political action. Churchill himself referred to such thought as a condition of effective leadership, and his own political actions and recommendations were based on a far deeper reflection on the nature of man and the world than is generally appreciated. By pursuing his thought on these matters, we can begin to place Churchill's action and the understanding that animated it within the Western political and philosophical tradition.
Since not every facet of Churchill's long political career can be pursued here, this dissertation takes Churchill's thoughts and deeds concerning the making of peace as the practical mechanism for unfolding the theoretical basis of his action. Churchill's approach to peacemaking had its root in an understanding of history, man, and politics which led him to criticize or reject peace-keeping strategies driven by rival modern conceptions. Churchill used the phrase “temple of peace” in reference to desired results of the formation of international peace-keeping organizations, but the phrase can be applied in a larger sense to the conduct of politics as a whole, which strives to mitigate conflict and direct the political community toward the common good. Churchill's ability to chart and maintain a consistent course in very difficult circumstances made him a great leader. That his thought and action were directed toward and devoted to the principles of justice, freedom, and peace made him a great man. Taken together, these two forms of greatness elevate him to the title of statesman par excellence.
Recommended Citation
Lyons, Justin D., "Building the Temple of Peace: The Statesmanship of Winston Churchill" (2003). Faculty Dissertations. 119.
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/faculty_dissertations/119
