International Relations Theory Today.

Ken Booth and Steve Smith [Editors].

ISBN 10: 0271014628 / ISBN 13: 9780271014623

Published by Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, PA, 1995

About this Item

Near Fine in Wraps: shows only the most minute indications of use: just a hint of wear to extremities; tiny snag at the bottom edge of the front panel; the top of the front hinge shows a very mild bump -- barely discernible; mildest rubbing. Binding square and secure; text clean. Close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo. 367pp. First Ed thus; unstated. Textbook Paperback. This volume edited by Ken Booth and Steve Smith takes as the starting premise that the World is going through major changes and International Relations, as a discipline, can no longer afford to pretend that it is a self-contained discipline. There are twelve chapters dealing with various aspects of IR theory that need modification and addition. The themes that are covered in this collection include Political Theory, International Political Economy, The Post-Positivist Debate, Neo-realism, International Society, and the Idea of World Community.Particular emphasis is placed on the question on "identity", "security", "levels of analysis problem", for all of which the contributors acknowledge the need to make use of other disciplines such as sociology on the question of "identity". Fred Halliday's chapter on the end of the Cold War is also eye opening in that he readily accepts IR theory's failure to predict the demise of the Soviet Union. And some of his conclusions, both analytical and theoretical, show the clear need for IR scholars to study other concepts as well. For instance, the issue of ethnic conflict is too important for IR to trust it with historians. The chapter on the Global Environment is also very successful in applying the recently considered normative concerns in IR theory. Building on Chris Brown's International Relations Theory: New Normative Approaches (1992), applications of criteria and classification of theories are presented on the issue. I recommend this book to graduate students of Political Science, International Relations as the arguments presented in the book assume a developed understanding of the concepts and an extensive background. Seller Inventory # 35149

Bibliographic Details

Title: International Relations Theory Today.

Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, PA

Publication Date: 1995

Binding: Paperback

Edition: First Ed thus; unstated.

About this title

Synopsis:

This book starts from the premise that international relations theory is going through major changes. It deals both with the impact of a changing world on our thinking and also reflects the wider intellectual turmoil that is currently facing the social sciences and the humanities.

Review:

′A state–of–the–art textbook on International Relations theory and its various paradigms. All the major themes of IR theory are covered by renowned specialists.′ NOD and Conversion

′These essays by mainly American and British scholars are a handy introduction to the ever more popular discipline known as IR: international relations.′ Economist Review

′Excellent book ... the more books like this we have the more likely it is that the issues themselves will get the discussion they need.′ Political Studies