International Relations Theory: A Primer - Softcover

International Relations Theory: A Primer offers a comprehensive and cutting-edge approach to the analysis of contemporary international affairs. It provides the essential frameworks of analysis required for sound theorizing about world politics, along with contributions that represent the depth and breadth of the discipline of international relations theory. (James A. Mitchell, California State University, Northridge)

This text bridges the gap between abstract theory and application of theory to real-world issues. (Evan Robertson, Purdue University North Central)

International Relations Theory: A Primer comprehensively covers international relations theories with a real-world case-study application. (Karolina Lulu, Rutgers University)

We need a comprehensive book at the undergraduate level on IR theories. I would not hesitate to adopt this one. (Agber Dimah, Chicago State University)

Ideal as a brief main text for IR Theories courses or as a supplemental text for IR, American Foreign Policy, or Global Studies courses, International Relations Theory: A Primer covers the main definitions, concepts, arguments, and criticisms regarding the five predominant IR theories and approaches used in the field today: realism, liberalism, constructivism, economic structuralism, and feminism. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, it helps students understand and critique the theories and apply them to real-world issues.

FEATURES

Presents the essential elements, assumptions, and development of the top five IR theories used by researchers in the field

"Family Tree" graphics show how each theory contains within it a series of sub-theories that help explain specific phenomena

Applies each theory to the same two case studies: one on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and the other on the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Includes summary tables for each case study in every theory chapter, providing quick summaries and visuals that connect the theories to the case studies

Ties the theories together in a concluding chapter, demonstrating their overlapping nature and highlighting each one's strengths and weaknesses as explanatory tools in IR