Description
Book SynopsisThis clear and concise text introduces four key theoretical frameworks that form the foundation of international relations—realism, liberalism, constructivism, and feminist theory—and uses levels of analysis as the primary unifying force to explain contemporary global politics. Cases on climate change; gender, peace, and security; migration; and the rise of China illustrate Kaufman's approach.
The third edition explains core issues in international relations, such as the interaction of nations in a globalized world; the growing threat posed by non-state actors and civil conflicts; and the need for countries to work together to counter what have been called “existential crises,” such as climate change, which threaten human lives and the planet. Significant revisions focus on discussion of democratic backsliding, the Covid-19 pandemic, cyberterrorism and cyberwar, changes to the European Union, and expanded coverage of international political economy.
Trade ReviewKaufman has written a very accessible, comprehensive, and updated text that students will find extremely valuable. Beginning with the question, “Why study IR?”, the book introduces readers to international relations theories and approaches (realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, and feminist IR) as well as the levels of analysis framework. The theories and levels of analysis are woven throughout the subsequent chapters that address the major conceptual areas of IR: the nation-state and war/peace, factors within the state, and non-state actors. The final chapter utilizes these tools to analyze four contemporary in-depth case studies—environmental protection; migration; women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda; and China.
-- Kristen Williams, Clark University
Table of Contents1 Introduction: International Relations in a Globalized World
Why International Relations Is Important
International Relations in a Globalized World
Globalization
What Does Globalization Mean for the Study of IR?
2 Theoretical Overview
What Is Theory and Why Is It Important?
Levels of Analysis: A Framework for Understanding IR
Introduction to Basic IR Theories
Summary
3 The Nation-State Level
Definition of Nation-State
History of the Nation-State
Balance of Power and Alliances
Understanding National Interest
War and Peace
Issues of Peace and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Process
Summary
4 Within the Nation-State
The Government, i.e., the “State” part of the Nation-State
Culture and Society
The Role of the Individual
Summary
5 Nonstate Actors and the International System
The Changing Nature of the International System
International Organizations
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)
Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
The Concept of “Civil Society”
Terrorism: A Challenge to the International System
Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
The Role of the Media
Summary
6 Pulling It All Together
Introduction to the Cases
Case 1: Environmental Protection as a Common Good
Case 2: The Movement of People in a Globalized World
Case 3: The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda
Case 4: China: Adversary or “Frenemy”?
Lessons of the Cases: Understanding International Relations in a Globalized World
Further Readings
Notes
