International relations theory

Theory meets intellectual history in this new and expanded edition of International Relations Theory. Long known for its concise presentation of the various images and interpretive understandings of how to approach the complexity of international politics, this edition devotes a significant portion of the book to the intellectual precursors who have informed current perspectives on international relations. The discussion moves well beyond the usual cannon of Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Hobbes by linking them and other writers to present-day IR theory--realism, liberalism, economic structuralism, and English School images; as well as constructivist, feminist, postmodern, and critical theory lenses. This unique approach enhances our abilities to think conceptually and critically not only about how our 21st-century world of diverse state and non-state actors works, but also the implications of the changes we observe domestically and globally.

Fifth edition: 2012.

"This book was previously published by Pearson Education, Inc.."

Preface. Thinking about IR theory : Epistemology, methodology, and ontology -- What is theory? -- Images -- Interpretive understandings -- The intellectual roots of IR theory. Part 1 Images of international relations theory : Realism: the state and balance of power : Major actors and assumptions -- Intellectual precursors and influences -- Power -- System -- Change -- Globalization and interdependence -- Realists and international cooperation -- Realists and their critics -- References. Liberalism: interdependence and global governance : Major actors and assumptions -- Intellectual precursors and influences -- International organization -- Integration -- Transnationalism -- Interdependence -- International regimes -- Neoliberal institutionalism -- Global governance -- Economic interdependence and peace -- The democratic peace -- Decision-making -- Change and globalization -- Liberals and their critics -- References. Economic structuralism: global capitalism and postcolonialism : Major actors and assumptions -- Intellectual precursors and influences -- Dependency theorists -- The capitalism world-system -- Gramsci and hegemony -- Change and globalization -- Postcolonialism -- Econo…