Doing Political Science and International Relations: Theories in Action

Description

This is an ideal introduction for all embarking on a degree in Politics or International Relations. Starting from the premise that the 'doing' of political science is an active, and interactive, process of critical evaluation, it addresses the crucial question of how - as well as what - we should study. The book examines a wide range of theoretical perspectives and shows how they can be usefully applied to questions such as 'Why do states go to war?' and 'In whose interests does the political system work?' Chapters are organized by core areas of study - such as power, the state, policy, institutions, the media, security, political economy - and show how theories can be used and applied within each topic.

HEATHER SAVIGNY is Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of East Anglia, UK. LEE MARSDEN is Senior Lecturer in International Relations, University of East Anglia, UK.

'Innovative, sophisticated but accessible, and successfully spanning global and domestic politics, this wonderful new introduction to political science uses well-selected case studies to illuminate a wide range of theories and approaches from Comparative Politics, IR and beyond.' - Jonathon W. Moses, NTNU, Trondheim 'Innovative and accessible, this important text provides an essential starting point for students of political science and IR - helpfully pointing up throughout the links between the two - focusing on what we study, and why and how.' - David Marsh, Australian National University 'An extraordinary achievement. Theoretically driven yet issue focused, this innovative textbook sets a new benchmark in introducing political science and international relations challenging assumptions and breaking boundaries all the way.' - Stuart Croft, University of Warwick