Introduction to International Relations: Theory and Practice

by Joyce P. Kaufman

Overview

How do we understand international relations in a globalized world? This clear and concise text takes as its starting point the theoretical frameworks that are the foundation of current IR. Joyce P. Kaufman explains and contextualizes the traditional theories, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Her levels-of-analysis approach provides students with the basic tools for a more inclusive understanding of international politics by not forcing them to choose between competing theories. Instead, in a refreshing alternative to most of the current introductory-level texts, the book allows readers to view the globe as a complex place of multiple actors facing multiple issues. It concludes with cases of current events that will help students apply theories to real-world issues.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538105382
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	02/01/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	302
File size:	4 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Joyce P. Kaufman is professor of political science and director of the Center for Engagement with Communities at Whittier College. She is the author of A Concise History of U.S. Foreign Policy, now in its fourth edition.

Table of Contents

Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction: International Relations in a Globalized World
Chapter 2: Theoretical Overview
Chapter 3: The Nation-State Level
Chapter 4: Within the Nation-State
Chapter 5: Nonstate Actors and the International System
Chapter 6: Pulling It All Together
Glossary
Index

Editorial Reviews

Joyce Kaufman's Introduction to International Relations: Theory and Practice is an excellent choice for the introductory classroom. In an invigorating approach to IR, it provides students with the concepts they need to understand the world around them while not limiting them to one perspective.

Eric K. Leonard

Introduction to International Relations is a textbook suitable for an introductory international relations course. The author begins the first chapter by describing the different levels of analysis and concludes by defining globalization and noting how it impacts the study of international relations. In chapter 2 the main international relations theories (i.e., realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, and feminism) and their variants are introduced. The author does a good job of describing and providing critiques of each theory. Chapter 3 explains the state level including the Treaty of Westphalia, balance of power and alliances, national interest, war, and peace. Actions inside of states are the focus of chapter 4, which includes an explanation of government, culture, ethnic conflict, and the role of the individual. Nonstate actors are examined in chapter 5, including intergovernmental organizations (with emphasis on the UN, NATO, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the EU), NG's, and multinational corporations. The final chapter seeks to provide real-world examples of the key concepts and issues inherent in international relations by examining how states in the system can solve problems concerning the environment, human rights, and immigration. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduate collections.

CHOICE

The second edition of Introduction to International Relations: Theory and Practice is a superb textbook—clear, precise, and comprehensive.Among its best features is a highly intelligible presentation of what is meant by theory, which is always a challenge in such courses. The book also is very current with important developments in international relations, such as cyberterrorism.Joyce Kaufman blends together ideas and case material in a seamless manner to offer an outstanding introduction to international relations.
—Patrick James, Dornsife Dean’s Professor of International Relations, University of Southern California

Patrick James

Joyce Kaufman’s updated introduction to the field utilizes extensive examples recently peppering the headlines and is sure to pique the interest of typical undergraduates. The text moves swiftly, though understandably, from the fundamentals of IR analysis to applying these methods to specific cases. Unlike some basic texts, feminist theory is treated equally to other prominent perspectives and the value as well as limitations of various methodological lenses are made clear. Moreover, the book’s brevity is conducive to assigning supplementary readings and current events fostering greater student engagement.

Erik Pratt

Utilizing the levels of analysis as the overarching framework, this easily accessible and readable text introduces readers to traditional international relations theories and approaches. Kaufman notes the limitations of these theories and, in turn, considers nontraditional IR approaches, such as feminist IR, and their usefulness to understand issues and events in world politics. Four in-depth case studies—environment, migration, women’s rights, and China’s rise—demonstrate how IR theories are applied to contemporary issues in the study of international relations.

Kristen Williams