Several chapters reference current events heavily, which will need updates soon. The approachability of the text and relevant case studies will leave students with the tools needed to understand and analyse international events. Let's face it, though-- who has time for that? 5. $130.00 Other new and used from $119.08. The more common but contested interpretation is that this is interest in security. This is an important and fruitful area of debate but the chapter does not go into it and there is not enough theory in the book for students to recognize and make sense of it. EU customers: we regret we cannot currently supply print inspection copies via the website but eBooks are available.If you would like an eBook and the option is not displayed below, please email [emailprotected] with your request. 15. critical theory. 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. The participants might be disappointed at how little progress we have made since they met, but they probably would not be surprised. A handy Getting Started section prior to the first chapter guides the reader on how to navigate the text, elaborating on some of the fields jargonwhich is used sparinglyas well as on the use of academic citations. The jargon and technical terminology used is clearly defined in language accessible to our students. I found the book to be accurate on the topics it covers. The book is a persuasive review of the theoretical foundations of international relations studies. While no basic textbook could possibly cover the vast and diverse landscape that is IR, this text makes a sincere attempt to balance breadth and depth. Global Diplomacy - Diplomacy in the Modern World: University of London. Reviewed by Azamat Sakiev, Assistant Professor, Pennsylvania State University on 2/1/18, The textbook is comprehensive in range of concepts it covers. I didn't see anything offensive, but I think there could've been more attention paid to non-Western examples. The approachability of the text and relevant case studies will leave students with the tools needed to understand and analyse international events. The book appears accurate, but with so few citations, it's quite hard to know the perspectives of the authors of each chapter. Dana Gold works in regulatory strategy and research for the Ontario Public Service. Instead, taking international practices seriously spells out the many faces of world politics, including power and security, trade and finance, strategy, institutions and organizations, resources, knowledge and discourse, etc. This introduction to International Relations is one of the most original and interesting to come to the market in a long while. As a beginner's guide, it has been structured to condense the most important information into the smallest space and present that information in the most accessible way. Since there are no images or suggestions for discussion or further reading, a faculty member using this book would have to do a huge amount of work to make the text engaging for students. Realism, also known as political realism, is a view of international politics that stresses its competitive and conflictual side. The author takes many steps towards pointing that out and incorporating different perspectives. 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. There are many topics that I don't typically cover in an Intro to IR course but that I could see being interesting to students (e.g. Reviewed by Michael McNeal, Adjunct Instructor, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 10/24/19, See review pasted into the text window below. The current IR text I use (World Politics by Frieden, Lake, and Schultz) is far superior on this point but they are so expensive! I did not notice any typos, but the authors used informal/casual writing that I ban my undergraduates from using. The texts interface is remarkably simple: just plain, narrative text (with references). See review pasted into the text window below. The field therefore encompasses a diverse array of topics, from the causes of war to the politics of development, from international institutions . However, using it as the primary text for college students in the United States would require a lot of extra work (developing a glossary,discussion questions, finding the images,charts, figures going along with the text, etc.). The book is accurate and error-free. Any It has a bibliography, but throughout the text, is uses very few references, even when it seems obvious that the reader would like to know more. The grammar is fine. Some historical developments are more thoroughly explained than others, and students using this book might find it confusing that some background material is spread across chapters. On one side of the controversy was a revival of the school of realism, known as neorealism, which emerged with the publication of Kenneth Waltz's Theory of International Politics in 1979. Many reviewers have noted that the book doesn't talk about war. Discovery, Conquest and Colonialism Robbie Shilliam Since the undergraduate audience is the primary target, pictures, graphics and other visual representations would significantly increase the textbooks appeal. An engaging introduction to the core concepts, theories, actors and issues in global politics. As an introductory textbook, the book is composed of considerably simplified narratives. The emphasis on concepts rather than smaller current event make it last for several years before needing re-edition. 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. International Women's Health and Human . I did not identify any factual inaccuracies, although I would have liked more frequent citations. I did not see any problems with errors or bias. In addition, a complete version of an earlier edition of this book from 2017 is available free on E-International Relations though note the 2017 version does not have the full range of chapters, or features, of the 2022 version. The textbook does not provide and index or glossary, International Relations is an edited volume that attempts to cover all of the common themes in an introduction to IR course. Unlike typical textbooks, there are no boxes, charts, pictures or exercises. The textbook is inaccurate mostly because it's separate chapters allow each author to condense huge topics into a very short space. The textbook is up-to-date. The Eurocentric nature of the first chapter (albeit, with a degree of self-awareness from the author) can be transformed to offer a more global perspective as the books foundational stone. 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. Reviewed by Robert Asaadi, Instructor, Portland State University on 1/27/22, Part One of the text lays out the basic building blocks that one would expect to find in an introductory international relations textbook, and then in Part Two the authors compellingly explore these concepts across a wide range of relevant global There were no interface issues or distractions. As is chapters do not necessarily follow each other. The accuracy varies from chapter to chapter. The book is very consistent. The first 3-4 chapters were too interconnected. He has sipped tea in . Other chapters were not as accessible. 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 text can be divided up according to one's own schedule. Yet another compilation of IR chapters from a very western oriented set of authors. 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. It is mostly up to date and relevant. Combined with the lack of finding aids, I think the lack of interface would frustrate some students. He is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of E-International Relations. read more. Amitav Acharya is Distinguished Professor in the School of International Service, American University. Easy to be divided into smaller reading sections that can be moved around as the instructor sees fit. 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. Article A Brief Introduction to the Study of International Relations A feature for those interested in becoming familiar with the study of IR and also for students struggling to grasp how IR fits together. It didn't bother me. It's as if the authors see IR as outside of the realm of human relevance. the edited volume definitely deserves a more consistent narrative across chapters. The frameworks used by the contributors clearly vary a lot. In general, the text is consistent in terms of terminology and framework, although inevitably multiple authors get repetitive. read more. The authors enumerate the principles of Sufi foundations of international relations in Islam by introducing the theosophical standpoints of Islamic Sufism. bandwidth bills to ensure we keep our existing titles free to view. Anthony F Lang, Professor of International Political Theory, University of St Andrews, UK. 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. Anitta Kynsilehto is a Senior Research Fellow at Tampere Peace Research Institute, Tampere University. The authors make a concentrated effort to make this text relevant to twenty-first century politics. It would be nice if clicking on a chapter title or page number in the table of contents took you to the chapter. Mukesh Kapila CBE is Professor Emeritus of Global Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the University of Manchester. Transnational Terrorism Katherine E. Brown While some individual chapters might appear biased toward a particular lens (e.g., a US- or Western-centric view of the world), other chapters present contrasting perspectives, thereby according the book with a semblance of overall balance. This is ridiculously boring and very far out of touch from how students actually learn. But the authors do not encourage any sort of creativity so such a task would require significant extra work on the instructor's part. read more. Also noteworthy, the book contains no finding aids (index, glossary) which would make it cumbersome to students trying to use this in an introductory course. All Rights Reserved | Site by Rootsy. Stephen McGlinchey is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE Bristol). The book was written by a large number of individuals with different backgrounds and identities, and it shows: I found no examples that were culturally insensitive or offensive, and found the inclusiveness of the viewpoints brought by the variety of authors to be refreshing. 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.) Both of these stylistic errors make it more difficult for students to read and comprehend the text. It flows from chapter to chapter and theme to theme rather seamlessly. Foundations of International Relations is a wonderfully rich, yet highly accessible, introduction to International Relations, both as a subject and as a discipline. The events, concepts and examples used in it are durable enough that it will not need to be regularly updated. Stephen Chan OBE, Professor of World Politics, SOAS University of London, UK. The examples are cross-cultural in scope and the the text is culturally sensitive in treatment of its topics. The 2016 free edition can be used as a textbook but the textbook has been updated, but the update is no longer free. Discovery, Conquest and Colonialism - Robbie Shilliam 4. 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. More focused and comprehensive discussion of 20th century cases, especially WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, would be useful, at least for American students. in that respect it accomplishes a decent job; however, in terms of complementarity of chapters with one and another, it clearly fails. Peter Vale is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria, and Nelson Mandela Professor of Politics Emeritus at Rhodes University. The text is appropriate to a lower-division undergraduate level student. I believe it is because the editor did not set out a clear organizing theme for the test. Global Health Mukesh Kapila read more. Unfortunately, in spite of the fact that the book is less than a year old, some sections are already debatably in need of updating (particularly Ch. As I mentioned earlier, the underlying theme seems to be that of globalization. It covers the UN system, legal treaties, intergovernmental and the global organizations that since the Second World War have provided for the international legal regime we now enjoy. For example, the chapter on diplomacy calls the reaction of common alarm in response to the development of nuclear weapons in a previously non-nuclear state a norm (p.25). The text does not suffer from problems with navigation, image distortion, or other interface issues. Jindal Global University. Some of the chapters reference concepts and theories in prior chapters. The text has a strong internal consistency. 9. terminology is very clear and almost too simplistic. I think the aspects that are current could easily be updated without a complete overhaul of the book. That being said, I think that the chapters on international organizations and the environment would be two excellent standalone chapters that I could assign in any of my classes. 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. I worry that assigning this text might teach bad writing habits. Peter Vale's chapter with personal reflections on the field of IR would make a good starting chapter for a course in lieu of the 1st chapter of this book. The content is accurate and the analysis reflects in-depth consideration of the theories, concepts, and case studies presented. Still, I believe it's highly consistent, and any small discrepancy across authors would not generate any confusion to students. Featuring a combination of chapters authored by leading scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the world, this textbook takes into account the historical development of international relations and the web of dynamics that forms the subject, resulting in a clear analysis of the . Reviewed by Elissa Alzate, Associate Professor, Winona State University on 6/19/18, The first section of the book, "The Basics," did not cover the basics in as much detail as I would have liked to see. 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. 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. However, there is not enough theory to be my main text. They move into the so-called middle ground (their phrase) in assessing the consequence of the English School of IR theory, before examining Constructivism. E-International Relations has curated an extensive online area with free multimedia resources to accompany each chapter of the book. The core strength of this textbook is the clarity it brings to explaining the many concepts and theories that make up International Relations it introduces students to the nuance and complexity of the field in an exciting and accessible way. However, the text does not include images/charts, so the text is relatively easy to navigate. Indeed, the accessible and conversational, yet informative and interesting, narrative style serves to distinguish the text from other introductory IR textbooks. Katherine E. Brown is a Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Birmingham. In an intro IR class, instructors may assign readings from Foreign Affairs or Foreign Policy to cover the most recent events in IR. 20. My biggest issue with the interface is that there is none. The book is very comprehensive. Zo Jay, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Tasmania, Australia. 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. Please note items in your basket cannot be carried over to a different region. There is some non-standard use of concepts. They will find it challenging and rewarding in equal measure. The chapter on Pax Americana is also about security. It would be great if at least the issue chapters in the second part are written under the same framework. I especially appreciate the efforts to highlight ways the discipline of IR is traditionally taught from a Western perspective, why that is problematic, and to point out differing perspectives. Students are brought on an engaging intellectual journey through a range of contending perspectives and issues, whilst being encouraged to think critically throughout. Featuring a combination of chapters authored by leading scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the world, this textbook takes into account the historical development of international relations and the web of dynamics that forms the subject, resulting in a clear analysis of the field from a variety of perspectives. See More Copyright Year: 2022 E-Book (PDF) Availability: Published ISBN: 978-90-04-47050-7 Released online: University of Minnesota, 330 Wulling Hall, 86 Pleasant Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. There should Some topics, however, are dispersed throughout various chapters and could benefit from being looked at in a single section/chapter. The organization of the text results in clarity and presents logically arranged ideas to support a comprehensive, cohesive portrait of the discipline for the introductory level. This is a huge oversimplification of the system of colonization and the history of countries post-colonization. Ringmar then focuses upon how this system was universalized over centuries via European imperialist conquests and colonialism. There are no interface errors, but the book is entirely page after page of similar-looking text. I did not see any factual errors. This course provides a broad introduction to the study of international relations. The degree track appeals to students with an intense interest in and desire for work in professional international fields and/or study at the doctoral level. It is more like a reader on International Relations topics and has chapter that are not in a number of standard texts. Still, I'd have liked It was not clear to me whether or how the publishers plan to update this text. Of course, I have already begun researching supplemental material in the form of pictures, graphs, weblinks to supplement this outstanding reading. read more. It's easy to read, however. 7. On this, it does relatively well. Findings - . It misses some key components, the most obvious being interstate and intrastate war. The textbook could benefit from some graphic representations. Part One of the text lays out the basic building blocks that one would expect to find in an introductory international relations textbook, and then in Part Two the authors compellingly explore these concepts across a wide range of relevant global issues. This book is, for all intents and purposes, a series of smart introductory lectures. are not covered. Students are brought on an engaging intellectual journey through a range of contending perspectives and issues, whilst being encouraged to think critically throughout. This volume offers a comprehensive evaluation of the concept of global order, with a particular emphasis on the role of regional organisations within global governance institutions such as the United Nations. There should be more discussion of the causes of wars and civil wars, however. You are on the United Kingdom site. Such care for a student text has not been taken for a very long time. Shazelina Z. Abidin contributes the sixth chapter, on International Organizations. Organization is the one area where I would recommend re-work. Unfortunately, its relevance (like the relevance of so many political science textbooks) will take a hit due to the global pandemic. Stephen Hill, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Edinburgh, UK, Registered Office: 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP. There is one chapter about "culture and religion" (which, first of all, each deserve there own attention) which tells us nothing about how cultural diversity impacts international relations. It is truly attentive to the multiplicity of (state and non-state) actors in global politics, as well as non-Western approaches. This is incorrect. could be better served if instructors provide/explain fundamental values of DEI in all human communities/societies as they cover culture issues in IR. It would not be a difficult read for an undergraduate level course. The text is largely inclusive, and the individual authors are representative of the global nature of the discipline. You must sign in to add this item to your wishlist. I think that this book is a good alternative if you're looking to assign a free book. However, when combining various chapters from parts 1 and 2, the reading assignments are coherent. It's simply natural and not an issue at all. Foundations of International Relations is a wonderfully rich, yet highly accessible, introduction to International Relations, both as a subject and as a discipline. Also, there is no glossary. This seems like an inappropriate stance, as many beginners may be studying IR precisely to better understand such words. The differences between and respective functions of inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations is explicated. The content is extremely up to date. Most, but not all, chapters are designed to first briefly introduce the topic or concept, followed by illustrative cases to help the readers comprehension. Carmen Gebhard is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Edinburgh. Some of the other chapters did not seem as relevant and might have been better left to a textbook for a higher level IR course. 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.) Stephen McGlinchey is a Senior Lecturer in Interna. Foundations of International Relations Stephen McGlinchey (Volume Editor) Paperback 29.99 26.99 Hardback 95.00 85.50 Quantity In stock 26.99 RRP 29.99 Website price saving 3.00 (10%) Add to basket Add to wishlist Delivery and returns info Free UK delivery on orders 30 or over This title is available for inspection copy requests I do wish there was a more explicit organizing principle or thread throughout the book that you often find in introductory textbooks. This is incorrect. My sense is that this omission emerges from its European perspective. There are many topics that I don't typically cover in an Intro to IR course but that I could see being interesting to students (e.g. 1. The chapter also contends with the laws of peace, and international humanitarian law, including the related laws of war. This introduction to International Relation is one of the most original and interesting to come to the market in a long while. The prose is lucid and accessible. International relations is a field of study that has many different theories about how to approach and understand international relations. 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. At worst, it works against the basic goal of the course-- to show that the scholarly study of IR is useful. Further, the chapters make effective use of subheadings to present the material, while remaining coherent. Migration Anitta Kynsilehto The content is accurate and given the general relevance of the text to the subjects covered the text should enjoy a fair degree of longevity. Because the text is so theory heavy and includes almost no examples, this might prevent it from seeming out of date quickly. Still, I'd have liked to see at least a short discussion on the changing nature of global finance in the global political economy chapter- there is a discussion of trade and multinationals which easily transitions into course discussion of GATT/WTO, and FDI, but no mention of sovereign credit or debt, which is by far the most commonly access form of global capital. The authors of this book did well writing about the topics in a way that it will not become obsolete within a short period of time. We'll see exactly how much effort is required when I begin developing the syllabus for next semester. the edited volume obviously needs more charts, figures along with images. I imagine that it would be difficult for students to figure out what points were important to focus on. 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 edited volume provides a comprehensive yet not so well integrated coverage of the issues and theories that define the international relations field today. It was very well researched and proofed. This innovative and well-written textbook takes students on an exciting historical, theoretical, geographical and thematic journey of International Relations. 4. Chapter five, written by Knut Traisbach, introduces public international law. Levels of Analysis Carmen Gebhard 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. Future editions of the book would benefit from further diversifying the set of authors; including more contemporary, pressing global issues (such as, for example, the rise of China); and streamlining the structure of individual chapters to follow a common, pedagogically effective standard. technology, food) and the short 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. Since I use introductory courses to introduce students to basic research and citations procedures, I like texts that are very good at this. Please sign in or create an account. The textbook presents a very euro (western) centric view of the international relations. All content on the website (with the exception of images) is published under the following Creative Commons License, Copyright E-International Relations. Brian, "On the History and Historiography of . 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. Supported by helpful case studies, key insights and key term features, the book will enable its readers to navigate the complexities of global politics.
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