Synopses & Reviews
Using game theory as a model for analyzing international relations, WORLD POLITICS: THE MENU FOR CHOICE offers a compelling and accessible introduction to the world of international relations. Consistently praised in previous editions for its excellent balance of theory and issues, this ninth edition has been thoroughly updated and includes increased coverage of the legal implications of policies associated with the U.S.-led war on terror, a more complete examination of the role of democracy for conflict resolution both between and within states, and a more detailed look at international organizations.
Review
"It fits quite nicely with my approach to the course, has very good coverage of all the big topics, is written in a very accessible style, and seems to appeal to the students."
Review
"This is an ideal textbook for introducing international politics to undergraduate students. It is well organized and its writing style is accessible."
Review
"These are, taken together, the best set of tables and figures I have seen in an intro IR text."
Synopsis
Get the tools you need to understand the vast and complex subject of international relations with WORLD POLITICS: THE MENU FOR CHOICE. This textbook incorporates current scholarship and insightful analysis and provides an introduction to game theory as a model for analyzing international relations.
Synopsis
WORLD POLITICS: THE MENU FOR CHOICE is appropriate for courses in Introduction to International Relations and World Politics for political science majors and others interested in international affairs.
About the Author
Bruce Russett is Dean Acheson Professor of International Relations and Director of United Nations Studies at Yale University. Since 1972, he has edited the JOURNAL OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION and has been president of the International Studies Association and the Peace Science Society (International). He also has taught at Columbia University, MIT, and the Free University of Brussels and was Visiting Professor of International Capital Markets Law at the University of Tokyo. He has held research appointments at the University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, The Richardson Institute in London, the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study, and the University of Tel Aviv. Harvey Starr is the Dag Hammarskjold Professor in International Affairs and Chair of the Department of Government and International Studies at the University of South Carolina. He is the former president of the Conflict Processes Section of the American Political Science Association, the APSA vice president, and the president of the Peace Science Society. He served as editor of INTERNATIONAL INTERACTIONS and associate editor of the JOURNAL OF POLITICS. He also has taught at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and the Australian National University. David Kinsella is Professor and Chair of Political Science, and Director of the Public Affairs and Policy Ph.D. program in the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University. He has served as Editor-in-Chief of International Studies Perspectives and has held faculty positions at American University and the University of Missouri. His primary areas of research are the global arms trade, regional conflict, democratic peace, and just war theory.
Table of Contents
PART I: ANALYZING WORLD POLITICS. 1. World Politics: Levels of Analysis, Choice, and Constraint. 2. Thinking about World Politics: Theory and Reality. 3. International Actors: States and Other Players on the World Stage. 4. The World System: International Structure and Polarity. 5. Relations Between States: Power and Influence. 6. Domestic Sources of Foreign Policy: Society and Polity. 7. Individuals and World Politics: Roles, Perceptions, and Decision Making. PART II: INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT AND COOPERATION. 8. Military Conflict: Why States and Other Actors Resort to Force. 9. The Security Dilemma: Armament and Disarmament. 10. International Law and Organization. 11. Causes of Peace and Nonviolent Transformation. PART III: INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY. 12. Political Economy of National Security and Defense. 13. Interdependence and Economic Order. 14. Regional Economic Integration and Globalization. 15. Development and Underdevelopment: the North-South Gap. PART IV: CHALLENGES FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM. 16. Limits of Sovereignty: Humanity and the Commons. 17. Which Global Future? Glossary. Appendix A: Chronology of World Events. Appendix B: Characteristics of States in the Contemporary International System. Author Index. Subject Index.