Rethinking International Relations Theory

Hardback

Main Details

Title Rethinking International Relations Theory
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Martin Griffiths
SeriesRethinking World Politics
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:256
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 138
ISBN/Barcode 9780230217782
ClassificationsDewey:327.101
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Red Globe Press
Publication Date 2 March 2011
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

International Relations (IR) theory has seen a proliferation of competing, and increasingly trenchant, worldviews with no consensus on how to evaluate their relative strengths and weakness. This innovative new text provides an original interpretation of how best to navigate the clash of perspectives in contemporary IR theory. The book provides a systematic overview of the main worldviews - such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism - and their associated theoretical underpinnings. Placing liberal internationalism at the heart of the debate, it argues that the main division in IR theory is between liberal internationalism and its critics. Griffiths examines both the strengths and weaknesses of liberal internationalism as a worldview, and also explores the competing worldviews that have been generated by the perceived flaws of this perspective. Examination of crucial policy issues is incorporated throughout the text, restoring the relevance of theory for those who wish to understand those policy issues. Moreover, this book revitalises the raison d'etre of contemporary IR theory and shows the role it can play in making sense of the twenty-first century.

Author Biography

MARTIN GRIIFFTHS Associate Professor of International Relations at Griffith University, Australia.