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Making Sense of International Relations Theory, 2nd edition

Jennifer Sterling-Folker, editor
Making Sense of International Relations Theory, 2nd edition
ISBN: 978-1-58826-822-8
$35.00
ISBN: 978-1-62637-063-0
$35.00
2013/482 pages/LC: 2013001383
"[A] masterful discussion and application of the major theoretical approaches in international relations.... A detailed reading should leave the student not only with a thorough knowledge of the field of international relations (IR) but with a deep appreciation for its breadth and diversity.... A wide range of readers will profit from this well written, concise, and serious volume."—Steven E. Lobell, International Studies Review

"A highly inventive textbook that showcases leading theoretical approaches to IR.... will help students of IR to see the value of theory and to appreciate the very significant differences among and within these approaches."—Amy E. Eckert, Millennium

"A great idea and a great teaching tool! This comprehensive account is beautifully executed, allowing us to 'see' a single case from a range of theoretical perspectives. It is an important demonstration that theoretical diversity illuminates rather than confuses."—Yale H. Ferguson, Rutgers University

DESCRIPTION

What does it mean to adopt a realist, or a world systems, or a green approach to international relations? Does the plethora of "isms" have any relevance to the real world of global politics and policymaking? Making Sense of International Relations Theory addresses these questions by illustrating theories in action.

With the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the US and its allies as a common point of reference, each contributor presents a particular framework for interpreting world affairs. This structure offers students tangible examples of how theory is used in practice and at the same time highlights the explanatory differences among theories. Incorporating extensive introductory sections, the book is uniquely designed to explore alternative ways of understanding current events—to assist students in making sense of, as well as with, IR theory.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Sterling-Folker is professor of political science at the University of Connecticut. Her publications include Theories of International Cooperation and the Primacy of Anarchy: Explaining U.S. International Monetary Policymaking After Bretton Woods.

CONTENTS

  • Making Sense of IR Theory—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • REALIST APPROACHES.
  • Realism—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • Structural Realism: The Imperialism of Great Power—K.R. Adams.
  • Neoclassical Realism: Domestic Opportunities for Great Power Itnervention—J.W. Taliaferro and R.W. Wishart.
  • LIBERAL APPROACHES.
  • Liberalism—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • Neoliberalism: Managing Collective Problems—S. Kay.
  • Public Goods Liberalism: The Perils of Coalition Building—M.J. Butler and M.A. Boyer.
  • GAME THEORY APPROACHES.
  • Game Theory—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • Game Theory: Modeling Ethenic  Violence—B. Urlacher.
  • CONSTRUCTIVIST APPROACHES.
  • Constructivism—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • Norm Constructivism: Contesting International Legal Norms—M.J. Hoffmann.
  • Relational Constructivism: A War of Words—P.T. Jackson.
  • POSTMODERN AND CRITICAL THEORY APPROACHES.
  • Postmodernism and Critical Theory—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • Postmodernism: Seducing Humanity—R.E. Shinko.
  • Critical Theory: Deliberating the Legitimacy of War—R.A. Payne.
  • HISTORICAL MATERIALISM AND WORLD SYSTEM THEORY APPROACHES.
  • Historical Materialism and World System Theory—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • Historical Materialism: Imperialist Rivalry, Hegemony, and the Global Capitalist Order—A.W. Cafruny and T.C. Lehman.
  • World Systems Theory: Status Decline and Collision Course—A. Freyberg-Inan.
  • FEMINIST APPROACHES.
  • Feminism—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • Liberal Feminism: Valuing Local Narratives—J. Mertus.
  • Critical Feminism: Gender at Work in Waging War—F. D'Amico.
  • ENGLISH SCHOOL APPROACHES.
  • The English School—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • The English School: International Society's Constraints on Power Politics—T.B. Knudsen.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACHES.
  • Environmentalism—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • Environmentalism: Cars, Farming, and Resource Insecurity—S. Nicholson.
  • Applying IR Theory—J. Sterling-Folker.
  • Appendix: A Brief Overview of Iraq.
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