Synopses & Reviews
This exciting text is unique in that it takes a consciously student-oriented approach to the study of international relations. Communicating concepts in a clear and concise manner, the book provides students with an abundance of high-interest features and pedagogical elements to help them learn. Aiming to maximize student understanding of the concrete world rather then IR theory, each chapter concludes with a case study of a contemporary situation so that students can apply what they've learned and a Changing Contours section that asks students to consider the future of a particular topic. With a large and helpful map program and extensive photos and illustrations, this is a consummately student-friendly text: students like this book, and because they do, they learn from it. |
Review
"I would adopt this text because it is an excellent work in both style and substance. It is interesting, informative, and easy to understand." Michael Preda, Midwestern State University
"One of [the book's] greatest strengths is readability. [The authors] really know how to walk the line between simplicity and complexity. The case studies are especially well written...excellent descriptions of the overall theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as excellent analysis of key terms." Philip Meeks, Creighton University
"Themain strengths are its clear-cut approach to international relations and the consistent use of a valuable framework for assessing IR. The authors excel at clearly summarizing key concepts and theories that underpin international relations." Renee Scherlen, Appalachian State University
Review
"I would adopt this text because it is an excellent work in both style and substance. It is interesting, informative, and easy to understand." Michael Preda, Midwestern State University
"One of [the book's] greatest strengths is readability. [The authors] really know how to walk the line between simplicity and complexity. The case studies are especially well written...excellent descriptions of the overall theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as excellent analysis of key terms." Philip Meeks, Creighton University
"Themain strengths are its clear-cut approach to international relations and the consistent use of a valuable framework for assessing IR. The authors excel at clearly summarizing key concepts and theories that underpin international relations." Renee Scherlen, Appalachian State University
Synopsis
This exciting book is unique in that it takes a consciously student-oriented approach to the study of international relations. Communicating concepts in a clear and concise manner, the book provides students with an abundance of high-interest features and pedagogical elements to help them learn.
Synopsis
Unique in that it takes a consciously student-oriented approach to the study of international relations, this exciting new text communicates concepts in a clear and concise manner, providing students with an abundance of high-interest features and pedagogical elements to help them learn. Aiming to maximize student understanding of the concrete world, each chapter concludes with a case study of a contemporary situation, so that students can apply what they've learned, and a Changing Contours section that asks students to consider the future of a particular topic. With a large, helpful map program and extensive photos and illustrations, this is a book students like-and because they like it, they learn from it.
Table of Contents
I. THE NATURE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. 1. The Study of International Relations. 2. The International System.
3. Historical Evolution of the State System.
4. Foreign Policy Decision Making.
5. The Functions, Origins, and Forms of War.
II. CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL PATTERNS. 6. A System in Transition.
7. The First Tier: Democracy and Affluence.
8. The Second Tier: Diversity and Development.
9. The New Agenda: International Political Economy.
10. The New Agenda: Transnational Issues.
11. Security Issues in a Post-Cold War.
III. PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE. 12. The Future of Diplomacy.
13. The Evolving Role of International Law and Organization.
14. Conclusions: The Shape of the Future?
Appendix: Countries of the Second Tier.
Glossary of Key Concepts.
Selected Bibliography.