An Introduction to International Relations

An Introduction to International Relations remains a fundamental guide for students of international relations.

Richard Devetak (Edited by), Daniel R. McCarthy (Edited by)

9781009315227, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 August 2024

594 pages
25.4 x 20.2 x 2.2 cm, 1.255 kg

International Relations is a dynamic discipline, evolving in response to contemporary world politics. An Introduction to International Relations offers a foundational explanation of the theories, systems, actors and events that shape external relations between nations in today's global society. This edition retains the existing structure, grouping chapters on theories, international history and the 'traditional' and 'new' agendas, while acknowledging that these exist alongside one another and intersect in complex ways. The text has been comprehensively updated and includes new chapters on postcolonialism, the international politics of cyberspace, global public health and the futures of International Relations. New postcard boxes and case studies present contemporary examples of international relations in action, and discussion questions at the end of every chapter promote student engagement. Written by an author team of leading academics from Australia, New Zealand and around the world, An Introduction to International Relations remains a fundamental guide for students of international relations.

Introduction: the origins and changing agendas of International Relations Richard Devetak
Part I. Theories of International Relations: 1. International Relations theory in an age of critical diversity Jim George
2. Liberalism Liane Hartnett
3. Realism Michele Chiaruzzi
4. Marxism and critical theory Jim George and Richard Devetak
5. Feminism Katrina Lee-Koo
6. Postmodernism Roland Bleiker
7. Constructivism Patrick Thaddeus Jackson and Sujin Heo
8. Postcolonialism Giorgio Shani
Part II. International History: 9. The global expansion of international society Shogo Suzuki
10. From the 'Great War' until the Second World War Louise Fawcett
11. The Cold War and after Nick Bisley
Part III. The Traditional Agenda: States, Wars and Law: 12. The modern state Richard Devetak
13. Nations and nationalism Gavin Mount
14. Security Anthony Burke
15. Arms control and disarmament Marianne Hanson
16. The ethics and laws of war Alex J. Bellamy
17. International law Sarah Percy
18. Diplomacy Geoffrey Wiseman and Paul Sharp
19. The United Nations Ian Hurd
Part IV. The New Agenda: Globalisation and Global Challenges: 20. Non-state actors: a sociology of International Relations? James Goodman
21. Religion and secularism Elizabeth Shakman Hurd
22. Global economic institutions Marc Williams
23. Global trade and finance Maryanne Kelton, Leonard Seabrooke and Annika Stenström
24. Global poverty, inequality and development Heloise Weber
25. Globalisation and its critics Steven Slaughter
26. Terrorism Audrey Kurth Cronin
27. The international politics of cyberspace Tim Aistrope and Constance Duncombe
28. The changing character of warfare Robert Ayson
29. Post-conflict state-building Beth K. Greener
30. Humanitarianism and armed intervention Thomas G. Weiss
31. Human rights Anthony J. Langlois
32. Global public health Adam Kamradt-Scott
33. Migration and refugees Sara E. Davies and Thu Nguyen
34. Global environmental politics Robyn Eckersley
35. Climate change Peter Newell
36. The futures of International Relations Daniel R. McCarthy.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS]