International Relations

Short Introductions

by Stephanie Lawson

International relations emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the early twentieth century, but its philosophic foundations draw on centuries of thinking about human nature, power and authority, justice and injustice, the idea of sovereignty and the implications for relations within and between political communities. The historic sources of these ideas appear to draw largely on European or Western experiences but, as this book shows, influences have emanated from much further afield, while contemporary thought is becoming more open to insights from non-Western sources. In this fully updated and expanded fourth edition of her popular text, Stephanie Lawson retains a broad world historical and contextual approach to the central themes and theoretical perspectives in IR, while also addressing the most pressing issues facing the world today. Topics covered include the emergence of states and empires, theories ranging from classical realism and liberalism to postcolonial and green theory, twentieth-century international history, security and insecurity, global governance and world order, international political economy and the prospects for a ‘post-international’ world in an era that has seen both deepening globalization and accompanying challenges to the sovereign state, as well as the reassertion of nationalist ideas around the world. With a range of additional pedagogical features to assist learning and class discussion, this lively and accessible text is an ideal primer for beginner and intermediate students alike.

Genres: International Relations, Nonfiction, Politics

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

Professor in Macquarie University's Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations, Sydney, Australia

Reviews

[Justin]

I thought it covered all bases on the theory of IR. Would have liked more application on case studies though

[Stephen]

This was a textbook for an introductory class in IR. Unfortunately it is written in a far too advanced style for this purpose. It is more a detailed academic survey for a reader with a strong background in the social sciences. It contains a lots of references to ideas from other authors using jargon often not fully explained. So I found it less than optimal. If you are just starting out pick, up something a little more basic.

[Philip C Beeby]

Great introduction to international relations. A very nicely written book, that conveys some complex ideas in an easy to read fashion.

[Irene]

So much information packed in one book, my head hurts

[Terry]

For uni (International Relations course)

[Anca C]

Se vede ca nu e scrisa de romani, un limbaj usor si accesibi. Foarte bine scrisa, atat pentru studentii la relatii internationale cat si pentru cei de la drept, daca vor sa inteleaga mai bine contextul dreptului international public.

[Hannibal]

A solid and easy-to-read introduction to the field of International Relations