Understanding International Relations

The fifth edition of this bestselling textbook offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to International relations and has been fully updated to cover the dramatic changes in recent world politics. Written in the author’s unique and engaging style, the text explores everything from foreign policy and security to global governance and the global economy, to show how the theories and concepts Brown outlines are the only way to make sense of contemporary issues and events. With reference to such diverse events as Brexit, the Russian armed conflict in Ukraine, the financial crisis, the rise of China, and the challenges of identity politics, the author expertly shows how the range of theories presented in the book allow for an understanding of the destabilising events and developments that characterise global politics today, and will continue to do so in the future. This text remains the definitive guide to understanding international relations, and is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students of international relations at any stage of their studies. New to this Edition: - Thoroughly updated to showcase the breadth of the latest research and key thinkers in international relations theory. - Entirely rewritten chapter on the development of human rights and international criminal law. - Brand new chapter that offers a sophisticated and up-to-date analysis of the current state of world politics.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction: Defining International Relations 2. The Development of International Relations Theory in the Twentieth Century 3. International Relations Theory Today 4. Agency, Structure and the State 5. Power and Security 6. The Balance of Power and War 7. Global Governance 8. The Global Economy 9. Globalization 10. The International Politics of Identity 11. International Relations and the Individual 12. International (Dis)Order Today?

About the Author :
CHRIS BROWN is Emeritus Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. He has published extensively on International Relations Theory, international political theory, and was previously Chair of the British International Studies Association and, at LSE, Head of the Department of International Relations. CHRIS BROWN is Emeritus Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. He has published extensively on International Relations Theory, international political theory, and was previously Chair of the British International Studies Association and, at LSE, Head of the Department of International Relations.

Review :
An excellent introductory book which familiarises students with International Relations theories while exploring some of the most important issues and debates in the discipline ... Overall, a brilliant, up-to-date companion for students and teachers of International Relations. Combining wisdom and wit in the seemingly effortless style for which Chris Brown is known, the 5th edition of Understanding International Relations is simply the best introduction to the discipline of International Relations available. Steeped in the discipline’s key conversations, Chris Brown sets out the academic discipline of International Relations in this lucidly written book. Its strength is that it provides an overview while also supplying historical depth and theoretical nuance to anyone wishing to grasp the subject as well as its intellectual origins. Chris Brown's 5th edition is a welcome reworking of a classic text, which artfully fuses his recognition for the endurance of traditional IR approaches with astute re-examinations of their relevance in explaining new global developments. The result is a book that does exactly what it promises, namely, to increase our understanding of international relations, today, yesterday and tomorrow. This sophisticated yet accessible text offers a theory-based account of how international relations work at the individual, group, state, and global levels. This fifth edition is one of the best volumes in the discipline for both students and those looking for a refresher. A concise and accessible overview of IR theory suitable for both graduate and undergraduate levels. The author places theory in context enabling students to understand from where the great debates in IR emerged and how they have developed over time. Of particular value are the further reading sections making this book an essential teaching text and a useful reference for students throughout their studies. This rich book will provide any student with the means to grasp the full array of international relations theories, and also to understand why theorising matters and how it helps us make sense of the complex world we live in. Chris Brown writes with engaging ease and insightful depth about classic and evolving theories of IR and relies on them to tease out the key concepts of the discipline – anarchy, war, peace, global governance.