International Relations Theory: A Critical Introduction

The third edition of this innovative textbook introduces students to the main theories in international relations. It explains and analyzes each theory, allowing students to understand and critically engage with the myths and assumptions behind them. Each theory is illustrated using the example of a popular film. Key features of this textbook include: discussion of all the main theories: realism and neo-realism, idealism and neo-idealism, liberalism, constructivism, postmodernism, gender, globalization and environmentalism a new chapter on environmentalism, climate change and Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth including use of the film WALL-E innovative use of narratives from films that students will be familiar with: Lord of the Flies, Independence Day, Wag the Dog, Fatal Attraction, The Truman Show, East is East, Memento and WALL-E an accessible and exciting writing style which is well-illustrated with film stills in each chapter, boxed key concepts and guides to further reading. This breakthrough textbook has been designed to unravel the complexities of international relations theory in a way that gives students a clearer idea of how the theories work, and of the myths associated with them.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction  2. Realism  3. Idealism  4. Constructivism  5. Gender  6. Globalization  7. (Neo) Marxism  8. Modernization and Development Theory  9. Environmentalism  10. Conclusion

About the Author :
Cynthia Weber is Professor of International Relations at the University of Lancaster. She is author of several books and numerous articles in the field of International Relations.

Review :
'This innovative, outstanding, and widely used international relations text that uses cinema to address international relations theory is up-dated and improved with a new introduction and additional critical analyses of films addressing global environmental politics. Weber's effective examination of academic theories and political myths through the rhetoric at work in popular films makes this one of the very best texts available today for reaching students in contemporary international relations courses.' - Timothy W. Luke, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University USA Praise for the previous edition: 'I know of nothing that has such an excellent combination of lucidity and both comprehensive and critical coverage.' - Professor Michael Shapiro, University of Hawaii, USA 'Refreshingly original, interesting and fun to read, this book will surely encourage students to think critically about international politics' - Roxanne Lynn Doty, Arizona State University, USA Offers something that has been missing from the critical IR literature ever since its initial formulations over a decade ago: a breakthrough textbook that will allow a much wider audience of undergraduate students to understand how - and, more importantly, why - critical IR asks the sort of questions it does.' - Peter Mandaville,University of Kent UK