Introduction to international relations : theory and practice / Joyce P. Kaufman.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction : international relations in a globalized world. Why international relations is important
Why study IR?
IR as a field of study
The levels-of-analysis framework
Broad theoretical perspectives
International relations in a globalized world : The concept of the nation-state
Forces of integration, disintegration, and self-determination
Globalization : What is globalization?
Globalization as historical phenomenon
What does globalization mean for the study IR?
Further readings
Notes
Theoretical overview. What is theory, and why is it important? Theory and international relations : some basic assumptions
Concept of national interest
Introduction levels of analysis : a framework for understanding international relations
The "System" in the international system
Power
Introduction to basic IR theories. Realism and neo-/structural realism
Neorealism/structural realism
Limitations and critique of realism and neorealism
Liberalism as a theoretical model
Neoliberalism
Limitations and critique of liberalism
Constructivism
Limitations and critique of constructivism
Other theoretical approaches : Marxism
Limitations and critique of Marxist theory and its offshoots
Theory continued : Feminist perspectives
Limitations and critique of feminist theory
Summary
Further readings
Notes
The nation-state level. Definition of nation-state
History of the nation-state. Treaty of Westphalia
Balance of power and alliances. Balance of power
Collective defense, alliances, and the Cold War
Understanding national interest. Foreign policy orientations
Negotiation as a tool of foreign policy
War and peace. What is war?
Just war doctrine
Feminist theory and war
Issues of peace and nation building. What is peace?
Ending a war?
Summary
Further readings
Notes
Within the nation-state. The government : democratizing the state
Democratic peace
Militarizing the state
Democracy and feminist perspectives
Culture and society : nationalism and conflict
Intractable conflicts. The Kurds
Kosovo
Russia and South Ossetia
Ethnic conflict : Northern Ireland : religious conflict?
The importance of looking at culture and society
The role of the individual. Decision maker as rational actor
Crisis decision making : The Cuban Missile Crisis
Summary
Further readings
Notes
Nonstate actors and the international system. The changing nature of the international system
What are nonstate actors?
International organizations. Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)
The United Nations
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank
Regional organizations : The European Union (EU)
Other regional organizations
IGOs and IR theory
IGOs and sovereignty
Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
Terrorism : a challenge to the international system. Terrorism : a historical perspective
Terrorisms as a political tool : women as terrorists
Multinational corporations (MNCs)
Summary
Further readings
Notes
Pulling it all together. Introduction to the cases
Case 1: Environmental protection as a common good
Background of the issue
Analysis of the case
Case 2: The movement of people in a globalized world
Background of the issue
Analysis of the case
Case 3: Women's rights as human rights
Background of the issue
Analysis of the case
Lessons of the cases : Understanding international relations in a globalized world
Further readings
Notes

How do we understand international relations in a globalized world? This clear and concise text takes as its starting point the theoretical frameworks that are the foundation of current IR. Joyce P. Kaufman explains and contextualizes the traditional theories, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Her levels-of-analysis approach provides students with the basic tools for a more inclusive understanding of international politics by not forcing them to choose between competing theories. Instead, in a refreshing alternative to most of the current introductory-level texts, the book allows readers to view the globe as a complex place of multiple actors facing multiple issues. It concludes with cases of current events that will help students apply theories to real-world issues

eng