Introduction to International Relations: Theory and Practice

This clear and concise text introduces four key theoretical frameworks that form the foundation of international relations—realism, liberalism, constructivism, and feminist theory—and uses levels of analysis as the primary unifying force to explain contemporary global politics. Cases on climate change; gender, peace, and security; migration; and the rise of China illustrate Kaufman's approach. The third edition explains core issues in international relations, such as the interaction of nations in a globalized world; the growing threat posed by non-state actors and civil conflicts; and the need for countries to work together to counter what have been called “existential crises,” such as climate change, which threaten human lives and the planet. Significant revisions focus on discussion of democratic backsliding, the Covid-19 pandemic, cyberterrorism and cyberwar, changes to the European Union, and expanded coverage of international political economy.

Table of Contents:
1 Introduction: International Relations in a Globalized World Why International Relations Is Important International Relations in a Globalized World Globalization What Does Globalization Mean for the Study of IR? 2 Theoretical Overview What Is Theory and Why Is It Important? Levels of Analysis: A Framework for Understanding IR Introduction to Basic IR Theories Summary 3 The Nation-State Level Definition of Nation-State History of the Nation-State Balance of Power and Alliances Understanding National Interest War and Peace Issues of Peace and Post-Conflict Reconstruction The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Process Summary 4 Within the Nation-State The Government, i.e., the “State” part of the Nation-State Culture and Society The Role of the Individual Summary 5 Nonstate Actors and the International System The Changing Nature of the International System International Organizations Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) The Concept of “Civil Society” Terrorism: A Challenge to the International System Multinational Corporations (MNCs) The Role of the Media Summary 6 Pulling It All Together Introduction to the Cases Case 1: Environmental Protection as a Common Good Case 2: The Movement of People in a Globalized World Case 3: The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda Case 4: China: Adversary or “Frenemy”? Lessons of the Cases: Understanding International Relations in a Globalized World Further Readings Notes

About the Author :
Joyce P. Kaufman is professor emerita of political science and founding director of the Center for Engagement with Communities at Whittier College. She continues to teach courses on IR. Her books include A Concise History of U.S. Foreign Policy, fifth edition; Women at War, Women Building Peace: Challenging Gender Norms; Women and War: Gender Identity and Activism in Times of Conflict; Women, the State, and War: A Comparative Perspective on Citizenship and Nationalism; Providing for National Security: A Comparative Analysis; and The Future of Transatlantic Relations: Perceptions, Policy, and Practice.

Review :
Kaufman has written a very accessible, comprehensive, and updated text that students will find extremely valuable. Beginning with the question, “Why study IR?”, the book introduces readers to international relations theories and approaches (realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, and feminist IR) as well as the levels of analysis framework. The theories and levels of analysis are woven throughout the subsequent chapters that address the major conceptual areas of IR: the nation-state and war/peace, factors within the state, and non-state actors. The final chapter utilizes these tools to analyze four contemporary in-depth case studies—environmental protection; migration; women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda; and China.