Very simple text and outline. The events, concepts and examples used in it are durable enough that it will not need to be regularly updated. The book fits clearly into the authors' pedagogy. This book covers an impressive range of topics. In addition, the textbook does not talk about dictatorship and human rights violations, and the global response. The content appears accurate. International Relations Theory - E-International Relations Neo-Realism is designed as re-examination, a second tier explanation that fills in the gaps classic theories neglected. Stephen McGlinchey has brought together a fantastic collection of authors who together present a wide-ranging, critical and accessible introduction to International Relations. The book contains no links, pictures, charts, graphs, or visuals at all--even where the addition of these materials could help students using the text. The authors are clear in their presentation but they have watered down their approach so much that the text lacks conceptual clarity. The text builds on foundational case studies and then applies this knowledge to the contemporary period. However, it requires a more explicit and systematic theoretical/conceptual framework to operate as a stand-alone text for an Introduction to IR class. I believe it is because the editor did not set out a clear organizing theme for the test. Students learn best when their texts have clear, simple, and accessible organization and prose. Reviewed by Sahil Mathur, Adjunct Instructor, American University on 12/6/20, Given the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the academic field of International Relations (IR), any textbook on the subject is bound to be lacking in some aspects. This was particularly true since a key theme of the book is that the ideas of IR being international and focused on states is somewhat outdated, shifting to adopt terms such as global, globalisation, and non-state actors. In its relatively short chapters, it manages to introduce readers to both traditional and critical perspectives. The approachability of the text and relevant case studies will leave students with the tools needed to understand and analyse international events. the edited volume obviously needs more charts, figures along with images. Some authors rely on run-on sentences and page-long paragraphs. In the discipline of international relations there are contending general theories or theoretical perspectives. This democratic peace proposition not only challenges the validity of other political systems (i.e., fascism, communism, authoritarianism, totalitarianism), but also the prevailing realist account of international relations, which emphasises balance-of-power calculations and common strategic interests in order to explain the peace and stability read more. The frameworks used by the contributors clearly vary a lot. The remaining chapter contributions include introductions to a broad range of important but more specific subjects, including global political economy, religion and culture, global poverty and wealth, protecting people, giving people a voice, communications technology, terrorism, the environment, hunger, global security, and a concluding chapter on doing IR in a relevant way in the contemporary world. This innovative and well-written textbook takes students on an exciting historical, theoretical, geographical and thematic journey of International Relations. Discovery, Conquest and Colonialism Robbie Shilliam I thought the chapters on the environment and food security were read more. The organization is logical and given the modularity of the text, instructors who adopt the book could easily change the order if needed for their purposes. Minor errors are rare (I caught two). Obviously, I am excited about using this book to teach my class in International Relations. The Moral Issue in International Relations, by Reinhold Niebuhr Appendix 4. International Relations Theory and Areas of Choice in Foreign Policy, by William T. R. Fox In conclusion, the text McGlincheys introductory level International Relations volume is clear, and the writing is well edited. While the preface indicates that there are "no boxes, charts, pictures, or exercises" because "these things can be a distraction", I find that in particular to be counterproductive. As it stands the textbook would require some effort to divide into readable chunks for assignments. The overall narrative is engaging, but including visualizations only helps to keep that engagement, particularly with undergraduates. (DOC) Lawson, S. (2015). Theories of International Relations In summary, here are 10 of our most popular international relations courses. Reviewed by Emily Channell-Justice, Visiting Assistant Professor, Miami University of Ohio on 6/20/17, The book is presented as a beginner's guide to International Relations and in this way is comprehensive in its presentation of basic issues relevant to the subject. David J. Hornsby is Associate Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) and Professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University. However, when combining various chapters from parts 1 and 2, the reading assignments are coherent. Highly relevant, but, of course, the most recent IR events (e.g., the evolution of US foreign policy during the Trump and the Biden Administrations, etc.) The chapter also contends with the laws of peace, and international humanitarian law, including the related laws of war. The book is very consistent. The textbook does not provide and index or glossary, I saw no problems with cultural insensitivity or exclusion of any group. As this book is published by Bloomsbury, we are unable to offer a full free-to-download version but we have made available an earlier version of the book. However, headings are good but most students are aided by vignettes, tables, graphs are other pictures that bridge the gap between words and pictures that help to further help to absorb the context of the readings. Helpful subheadings throughout. The book is complimented by a website, featuring interactive learning material that expands on each chapter of the book. Foundations of International Relations delivers a comprehensive explanation of International Relations that includes a thorough introduction to critical theories and non-western viewpoints alongside established IR theories and narratives. This is good for a smarter, more experienced reader, but it's a problem for most novice readers. All content on the website (with the exception of images) is published under the following Creative Commons License, Copyright E-International Relations. The only downside is lack of index, which I presume is a costly endeavor. There is some referring back to other chapters and topics but there could be more given that it is a textbook. John A. Rees is a Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Notre Dame Australia. However, there is not much on IR theory. there is a number of redundant discussions along with a lack of integration of different topics. It then focuses on helping the reader to understand the various principle and theories, structure, key actors, and international organizations both state and nonstate . The textbook is up-to-date. In the first case he examines efforts to regulate and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, including the recent case of Iran. technology, food) and the short chapters mean the students could quickly gain insights into those topics. The author avoids jargon and presents the ideas in a way that I think undergraduates would find compelling and accessible. It would not be a difficult read for an undergraduate level course. Reviewed by Alexis Henshaw, Visiting Assistant Professor, Miami University on 6/20/17, The book at least touches on all of the subjects that I routinely cover in my introductory course on international relations, but the coverage of the subjects vary greatly. 18. These three omissions lessen the usability of the text. via institutions' own library database that are free to students. There have not been a lot if any mention of contributions of non-western thinkers and scholars to the field of IR. This is more telling of the state of the IR curriculum, rather than the critique of the text per se. Countries in the global south are presented as object of diplomacy, or as the sites of problems like famine, rather than presented as active participants in globalization (I guess if they'd be willing the use the term globalization, they could have avoided this problem). This text can be divided up according to one's own schedule. I thought the chapters on the environment and food security were particularly well-developed, but other chapters like the one on connectivity, communications, and technology would have been made stronger through more details or applied examples. Overall, this is a basic introductory text that to my mind holds promise. This introduction to International Relations is one of the most original and interesting to come to the market in a long while. However, there is not much on IR theory. Your School account is not valid for the United States site. The second half takes the book from "good" to "fantastic". Summary: "An engaging introduction to the core concepts, theories, actors and issues in global politics. He then explicates how the resulting international system that is with us today operates and persists according to the post-war institutional framework for cooperation and conflict resolution. read more. Reviewed by Hakseon Lee, Professor, James Madison University on 11/26/21, It is pretty much comprehensive. The basics Of IR are covered and most modern global Issues are addressed. In general, the book presents accurate accounts of the key themes in IR, from a range of perspectives. Since I use introductory courses to introduce students to basic research and citations procedures, I like texts that are very good at this. The text is generally written in a conversational tone, doing a good job of explaining the substantive content of each chapter in a simple manner. Let's face it, though-- who has time for that? The broad organization of the text into The Basics (Part One) and Global Issues (Part Two) and the sequencing of the chapters in Part One are logical. Discovery, Conquest and Colonialism - Robbie Shilliam 4. The respective sections of the text can also be assigned separately. But not every chapter presents as concise and comprehensive a picture of the topic as might be desired. PDF Foundations of International Relations Theory In a couple of rare instances, the simplified presentation might be construed as inaccurate or, at least, controversial. Each chapter was well laid out with subheadings. This product is usually dispatched within 1 week, Free US delivery on orders $35 or over. Moving away from a purely European perspective, students will gain an understanding of traditional ideas about International Organisation, whilst also appreciating how issues such as COVID and food security are truly international in scope. The organization of this text is nearly identical to all standard IR texts. I begins with basics of defining key terms and the historical context of IR. Unfortunately, its relevance (like the relevance of so many political science textbooks) will take a hit due to the global pandemic. Foundations of International Relations - Bloomsbury The book is well put together and I found no issues in regards to consistency in terminology or framework. I understand that IR is interdisciplinary and rooted in the arts and humanities, but I also think that IR can be presented in a straight-forward and clinical way that makes reading and writing on the topic simple and accessible. 16. This is a huge oversimplification of the system of colonization and the history of countries post-colonization. Seems mostly fine although some chapters reference current events, which will be outdated at some point. The accuracy varies from chapter to chapter. Transnational Terrorism Katherine E. Brown Some chapters make effective use of case studies, but others do not employ cases as an explanatory technique. Because the text is so theory heavy and includes almost no examples, this might prevent it from seeming out of date quickly. Organization is the one area where I would recommend re-work. The first 3-4 chapters were too interconnected. The Theoretical and Practical Importance of a Theory of International Relations, by Hans J. Morgenthau Appendix 3. As I mentioned earlier, the underlying theme seems to be that of globalization. This book is designed as a foundational entry point to International Relations theory. read more. critical theory. From this perspective, cooperative security policies do not preclude the need for suitable military capabilities or the occasional use of force. Gender and Sexuality Rosie Walters, 14. International Security Natalie Jester International relations - Structures, institutions, and levels of The textbooks content is up to date in two ways: the topics explored in Part Two (Global Issues) are contemporary, pressing problems in international relations, and the case studies peppered throughout are largely drawn from recent, relevant events. I believe this is because book is more of a reader with many scholars focusing on a specific area of IR. In an intro IR class, instructors may assign readings from Foreign Affairs or Foreign Policy to cover the most recent events in IR. It follows the basic format that most intro texts cover-- it starts with big themes and This book is not worth using just because it is open access. Traisbach traces the development of international law from its complete absence, to the patchwork of laws characterizing the nascent regime, to the semblance of global governance provided by international law today. Still, I'd have liked Neorealism represented an effort . An excellent educational resource. read more. Political Realism in International Relations - Stanford Encyclopedia of While the chapters generally avoid jargon, the terms used reflect the scholarly language of the field. It is usually contrasted with idealism or liberalism, which tends to emphasize cooperation. Aside from these exceedingly rare instances, the book has undergone a thorough editing and proofing process, thereby minimizing distraction from the content. While the first chapter downplays the harms done by colonization, the chapter on poverty discusses colonization as one of the causes of global poverty. She also explicates the ways in which the levels of analysis framework determines the findings of researchers working in IR, as well as how it affects and is effected by the evolving ambitions of the discipline. Indeed, the accessible and conversational, yet informative and interesting, narrative style serves to distinguish the text from other introductory IR textbooks. A wide range of topics are covered. International relations | Definition, Theory, History, Examples It would help if each chapter is followed with its own references, rather than putting all the references at the end of the book. It sends the message to the reader that "here are these theories, let me show you how irrelevant they are with the rest of this book.) However, it addresses early in the book the historical existence of pre-state areas in a European context only. The book is clearly organized based on the priorities of the authors: this means that it is theory heavy up front, features one completely inadequate chapter about "culture," and then presents a series of "issues" to bring IR into the real world. Given the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the academic field of International Relations (IR), any textbook on the subject is bound to be lacking in some aspects. A book review for the Open Textbook Library Instructors using this text will find that it is flexible and that sections can be assigned at different points within the course. Choose your preferred format. Perhaps old information does not become obsolete, but new developments are always happening. Foundations of International Relations by Robbie Shilliam - Goodreads This is another part of the authors' pedagogy in which they find such things distracting. My sense is that this omission emerges from its European perspective. The updates should be fairly straightforward to implement. It can be easily adopted as an Intro IR textbook in any English-speaking college/university in the world. Stephen Chan OBE, Professor of World Politics, SOAS University of London, UK. Towards Global International Relations Sahil Mathur and Amitav Acharya As mentioned previously, the inclusion pre-state history that focus on Europe only, makes one wonder about areas outside of Europe. I appreciate the readability of the book. it would have helped if the editor pushed the contributing authors to adapt a more nuanced language for their chapters. It would have been nice to get some more introductory concepts from some of the later chapters such as levels of analysis and actors before addressing one particular foreign policy tool. My chief complaint-- and this is true of most IR texts-- is that the latter third (issues) rarely refers back to concepts and theories. The content is accurate and the analysis reflects in-depth consideration of the theories, concepts, and case studies presented. My biggest issue with the interface is that there is none. Reviewed by Boris Barkanov, Teaching assistant professor, West Virginia University on 5/21/18, This book covers an impressive range of topics.