The Kantian Federation

The essay introduces the reader to Kant’s theory of peace and to its place in the broader context of the critical philosophy. It also delves into one aspect of the model –related to nature and powers of the international federation – an aspect that has generated much debate among interpreters, given Kant’s changing thoughts on the matter. Defending the idea that national sovereignty is indissolubly linked to states’ full autonomy regarding the use of military power, the essay offers an interpretation and defense of the Kantian federation that, in many regards, departs from the mainstream reading. Special emphasis is placed on the problematic coexistence of two conflicting theoretical desiderata: on the one hand, the necessity of establishing an international institution with coercive powers for securing peace; on the other hand, the necessity of avoiding the risk of an excessive erosion of states’ sovereignty.