International Relations Theory A Primer

Ideal as a brief main text for IR Theories courses or as a supplemental text for IR, American Foreign Policy, or Global Studies courses, International Relations Theory: A Primer, Second Edition, covers the main definitions, concepts, arguments, and criticisms regarding the five predominant IR theories and approaches used in the field today: realism, liberalism, constructivism, economic structuralism, and feminism. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, it helps students understand and critique the theories and apply them to real-world issues.

Elizabeth G. Matthews is Professor of Political Science and Global Studies at California State University San Marcos. She is a coauthor of World Politics in a New Era, Sixth Edition (OUP, 2013) and the editor of The Israel-Palestine Conflict: Parallel Discourses (2011).

Rhonda L. Callaway is Professor of Political Science at Sam Houston State University. She is the coeditor of Exploring International Human Rights: Essential Readings (2007).

Dr. Matthews and Dr. Callaway are the coauthors of Strategic U.S. Foreign Assistance: The Battle Between Human Rights and National Security (2008).

Each chapter includes Suggested Readings and Key Terms

Chapter 1: Introduction
Evolution of International Relations Theories
The Study of International Relations
Levels of Analysis
Case Study I: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study II: Trade and Protectionism
Organization of the Book

Chapter 2: Realism
Roots and Evolution of Realism
-Central Assumptions
Classical Realism
-Pioneers in the Field
-Spotlight on Policymakers: George Kennan
Neorealism (Structural Realism)
-Pioneers in the Field
-Polarity and Balance versus Imbalance of Power
Neoclassical Realism
-Pioneers in the Field
Mercantilism
Criticisms of Realism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Protectionism

Chapter 3: Liberalism
Roots and Evolution of Liberalism
-Central Assumptions
Liberal Internationalism
-Pioneers in the Field
-Neoliberal Institutionalism
-Pioneers in the Field
-Barriers to Cooperation and How States Overcome Them
Laissez-Faire and Economic Liberalism
-Pioneers on the Field
Spotlight on Policymakers: John Maynard Keynes
-Globalization and Liberal Economic Policies in Crisis?
Criticisms of Liberalism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Protectionism
Conclusion

Chapter 4: Economic Structuralism
Roots and Evolution of Economic Structuralism
-Central Assumptions
Classical Marxism and Imperialism
-Pioneers in the Field
Economic Structuralism and Dependency Theory
-Pioneers in the Field
Spotlight on Policymakers: Raul Prebisch
-Marxist Variant of Dependency Theory
-Non-Marxist Variant of Dependency Theory
World Systems Theory
-Pioneers in the Field
Criticisms of Economic Structuralism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Protectionism
Conclusion

Chapter 5: Constructivism
Constructivism and the Third Debate
Roots and Evolution of Constructivism
-Central Assumptions
Spotlight on Policymakers: Raphael Lemkin
Emergence of Constructivism
-Modernist Constructivists: Pioneers in the Field
-Naturalistic Constructivists: Pioneers in the Field
-Postmodernist Constructivists: Pioneers in the Field
Criticisms of Constructivism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Proliferation
Conclusion

Chapter 6: Feminism
Feminism: A Movement
Spotlight on Policymakers: Margot Wallström
Roots and Evolution of Feminist International Relations Theory
-Central Assumptions
Family of Theories
-Feminist Empiricism
-The Feminist Standpoint
-Feminist Postmodernism
-Pioneers in the Field
Criticisms of Feminism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Protectionism
Conclusion
Key Terms
Suggested Reading

Chapter 7: Conclusion
Ontology and Epistemology Revisited
Towards a Holistic Approach to Studying International Relations
-English School
-Critical Theory
-Post-Colonialism
-Green Theory
Case Studies: A Holistic Approach to Proliferation and Trade Liberalization
-Proliferation and Arms Races
-Trade and Protectionism
Where do we go from here?
Key Terms
Suggested Reading