An engaging introduction to the core concepts, theories, actors and issues in global politics. 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. Zo Jay, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Tasmania, Australia. 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. I don't find many of the chapters to be particularly useful for my purposes, but some other instructors might. state). For instance, assigning one chapter from Part One of the text ('The Basics') along with one chapter from Part Two of the text ('Global Issues') would usefully blend the more theoretically, abstract discussion of topics in Part One with the more detailed, case-specific treatment in Part Two. Adding discussion questions at the end of each chapter, as well as a summary of key themes, would greatly help the reader. Indeed, the accessible and conversational, yet informative and interesting, narrative style serves to distinguish the text from other introductory IR textbooks. It clearly covers all of the major themes, theories, concepts and trends in an extremely dynamic subject matters. Let's face it, though-- who has time for that? The field therefore encompasses a diverse array of topics, from the causes of war to the politics of development, from international institutions . The content is up-to-date and incorporates both canonical and contemporary case studies in its explication of the material. Being able to point to good visualizations (charts, in particular) in the textbook would be much more of a strength than a distraction. Some authors are from the UK and they use British English, not American English. Of course, I have already begun researching supplemental material in the form of pictures, graphs, weblinks to supplement this outstanding reading. The texts interface is remarkably simple: just plain, narrative text (with references). 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. There were no major issues. But the book refuses to use "buzzwords" like "globalization" because the authors do not want to get "bogged down in big debates" around complex terms. I highly recommend this unique book to both beginner and more advanced students. I imagine that it would be difficult for students to figure out what points were important to focus on. Andreas Haggman is Head of Cyber Advocacy at the United Kingdoms Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The text did not appear to have major grammatical errors. This is incorrect. if the idea is to attract the attention of younger college age readers, it fails to achieve that. read more. Certainly not on an annual basis. Practical implications - Putting several principles forward, on the next phases, they can be used as the basis for many applied debates in the field and may be ended to a . A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set. Yet another compilation of IR chapters from a very western oriented set of authors. Many reviewers have noted that the book doesn't talk about war. 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. Please note items in your basket cannot be carried over to a different region. His main research interests are in US-Iran relations during the Cold War. 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, there is not much on IR theory. There are definitely better books out there, though. The book is complimented by a website, featuring interactive learning material that expands on each chapter of the book. My sense is that this omission emerges from its European perspective. So, when I'm looking for a book, I'm looking for a reference guide/companion to my lectures. Part One provides excellent, succinct overviews of the fundamentals, or basics, of the field, while Part Two delves into specific global issues of contemporary importance. The authors are clear in their presentation but they have watered down their approach so much that the text lacks conceptual clarity. There were no major interface issues other than there are no images/charts. The book is currently the sole open-access textbook in the field of IR, and promises to expose significant numbers of prospective students of IR to an informed, academic introduction to and assessment of the field. Moreover, each chapter begins with a few sentences tying it to the preceding chapter(s). But not every chapter presents as concise and comprehensive a picture of the topic as might be desired. This book, like others in the E-IR Foundations series, is designed to capture attention with an engaging narrative. Also, there is no glossary. Because of the topical focus, instructors can easily integrate the various chapters into their course. This is a huge oversimplification of the system of colonization and the history of countries post-colonization. international relations, the study of the relations of states with each other and with international organizations and certain subnational entities (e.g., bureaucracies, political parties, and interest groups). I believe it is because the editor did not set out a clear organizing theme for the test. I will, unfortunately, not be adopting this text as I had hoped. More focused and comprehensive discussion of 20th century cases, especially WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, would be useful, at least for American students. each chapter of the book could be assigned separately as part of the weekly readings of an intro to IR theory course. The prose is lucid and accessible. Reviewed by Boris Barkanov, Teaching assistant professor, West Virginia University on 5/21/18, This book covers an impressive range of topics. It's easy to read, however. It accomplishes most IR requirements in an open format. Knut Traisbach is Adjunct Professor of International Law and Human Rights at the University of Barcelona and at ESADE, University Ramon Llull. Insofar as the chapters construct the fundamental building blocks of IR, the book is internally consistent. 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. Foundations of International Relations is a wonderfully rich, yet highly accessible, introduction to International Relations, both as a subject and as a discipline. ), which I forbid my students to use. in action, as part of a "doing" in and on the world. This text can be divided up according to one's own schedule. This book is designed as a foundational entry point to International Relations theory. The text is appropriate to a lower-division undergraduate level student. The book tries admirably to include many perspectives and address issues of global relevance. updates for that matter would be rather easy in the coming editions. No index but you can search as it is available electronically. available free on E-International Relations. read more. 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 I think as an overview of the discipline the book would work well, but would likely need supplemental material - especially with respect to interstate war and international political economy - to fully flesh out an Intro to IR course. 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. You must sign in to add this item to your wishlist. Jessica Neafie, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan. Reviewed by Doga Eralp, Professorial Lecturer, American University on 2/1/18, This edited volume provides a comprehensive yet not so well integrated coverage of the issues and theories that define the international relations field today. Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World: University of London. Stephen Chan OBE, Professor of World Politics, SOAS University of London, UK. A book review for the Open Textbook Library Same as above comment in "modularity". $130.00 Other new and used from $119.08. In this case, the book can benefit from an interface with images, charts and other displays that would further the readers understanding of the key concepts, structures, and institutions and there role in IR. There are some basic style issues for some of the authors, though. I think it's pretty much well written and organized. Connectivity and Exploitation in the Digital Age Clare Stevens and Andreas Haggman. Choose your preferred format. Each chapter sets out the basics of a theory whilst also applying it to a real-world event or issue, creating a lively, readable and relevant guide that will help students to see not only what theories are - but why they matter. Very simple text and outline. read more. While the chapters generally avoid jargon, the terms used reflect the scholarly language of the field. Chapters function effectively either as stand-alone treatments of their topics or as complements with other chapters. Stephen McGlinchey, University of the West of England, Reviewed by Corina Ladd, Adjunct Professor, Tidewater Community College on 4/29/23, Many reviewers have noted that the book doesn't talk about war. Sahil Mathur is a PhD candidate in International Relations and an adjunct instructor at the School of International Service, American University. 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. This edited volume provides a comprehensive yet not so well integrated coverage of the issues and theories that define the international relations field today. There are no images or any other illustrations. 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. Some chapters have too many subsections, but I found undergraduate students usually prefer short paragraphs with single terms/concepts to longer paragraphs with multiple terms/concepts. The approachability of the text and relevant case studies will leave students with the tools needed to understand and analyse international events. read more. This book covers an impressive range of topics. 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. Some topics, however, are dispersed throughout various chapters and could benefit from being looked at in a single section/chapter. In the discipline of international relations there are contending general theories or theoretical perspectives. It clearly covers all of the major themes, theories, concepts and trends in an extremely dynamic subject matters. Students are brought on an engaging intellectual journey through a range of contending perspectives and issues, whilst being encouraged to think critically throughout. Discovery, Conquest and Colonialism - Robbie Shilliam 4. Overall, my impression of this book was that it could not be a standalone text for an introductory, college-level IR course. The book covers a very wide and comprehensive set of topics in a concise way. 15. Reviewed by Xiaowen Zhang, Associate Professor, Augustana College on 7/17/19, A wide range of topics are covered. 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. Easy to be divided into smaller reading sections that can be moved around as the instructor sees fit. However, there is no index or glossary. However, there is not enough theory to be my main text. Levels of Analysis Carmen Gebhard The treatment of the various topics integrates both historical and contemporary cases in a way that makes it relevant without too tied to the publication date. The book seems up to date, including citations from 2015. You must sign in to add this item to your wishlist. 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. A couple of the chapters, however, appear to assume some prior subject knowledge on the part of the reader; while written clearly, the narratives in these chapters may not be as simple as a basic text would demand. It would be nice if clicking on a chapter title or page number in the table of contents took you to the chapter. 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. first person in some, third in others) and more than half of the chapter read like they're transcripts of lectures. there is a number of redundant discussions along with a lack of integration of different topics. It underlines the need to tie theoretical foundations together in daily politics with the practical problems that arise around us. The editor himself argues that the text should be read in order in the "Getting Started Section.". In all, I like this book, but it could have been made better with a few tweaks. 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. There are no major presentation errors in the book. I think the book would be better if there was a more concerted effort to integrate. See More Copyright Year: 2022 E-Book (PDF) Availability: Published ISBN: 978-90-04-47050-7 Released online: The chapter on Pax Americana is also about security. Both the terminology and framework of the chapters is internally consistent. Your donations allow us to invest in new open access titles and pay our Peter Sutch, Professor of Political and International Theory, Cardiff University, UK.
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