International Relations Theory

International Relations Theory offers a unique approach to help students think conceptually and critically about how our contemporary world of diverse state and non-state actors works, but also the implications of domestic and global changes. The seventh edition covers current IR theory images (realism, liberalism, economic-structuralism, and the English School), interpretive understandings (constructivist, feminist, postmodern, critical theory, and green theory), normative considerations, and intellectual foundations from the ancient world to the modern era.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Thinking About IR Theory Part I: The Intellectual Roots of International Relations Theory [formerly Part 3] Chapter 2: The Ancients: Greeks, Chinese, and Indian Thought Chapter 3: Greco-Roman Thought and the Middle Ages Chapter 4: The Rise of the State and Modern Political Thought Part II: Images of International Relations Theory Chapter 5: Realism: The State and Balance of Power Chapter 6: Liberalism: Interdependence and Global Governance Chapter 7: Economic Structuralism: Global Capitalism and Postcolonialism Chapter 8: The English School: International Society and Grotian Rationalism Part III: Interpretive Understandings & Normative Considerations Chapter 9: Constructivist Understandings Chapter 10: Positivism, Critical Theory, and Postmodern Understandings Chapter 11: Feminist Understandings in IR Theory Chapter 12: Normative IR Theory: Ethics and Morality Glossary

About the Author :
Mark V. Kauppi is associate adjunct professor with the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He retired from the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2016 after a thirty-year career which included assignments as professor at the National Intelligence University and chief of a Department of Defense/intelligence community counterterrorism training program for analysts and managers. Paul R. Viotti is professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver. His expertise is in the areas of foreign policy, national security, and international relations theory. A retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Viotti has also been a member of the Denver Council on Foreign Relations, its president (1993-2003), Vice Chair (2003-17) and emeritus board member (2017-present). He is also on the Board of Advisors of the Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces & Society.

Review :
I was taught with an earlier version of this text, and I teach with the newest one today. It is simply the best introduction to IR theory, a one-stop shop that provides a strong foundation for more advanced study of the field. I cannot recommend it highly enough. This is an excellent text for courses in International Relations theory. With a great combination of historical context and modern approaches, no other text provides such an in-depth look at international relations theory that is so well written and easily accessible for undergraduate students. This book is vital to understanding the importance of international relations theories to our current times. Instead of focusing on just the main international relations theories, the authors link philosophy with modern approaches to understanding current events and interstate relationships. It is a must-read for people interested in studying international relations. The 7th edition of International Relations Theory offers an updated version of the comprehensive coverage of the wide arrays of perspectives within the field of International Relations. From the intellectual origins of International Relations Theory to the contending voices within the discipline, this is a coherent, comprehensive, and well-organized book for students interested in the field. The study of international relations has become increasingly complex as new approaches take their place in the field alongside traditional and historical perspectives. IR no longer is only about realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Now feminist and normative understandings, and green theory have carved out niches in IR. For students, and even scholars, it can be difficult to stay abreast of the developments and debates ongoing within the field. Mark Kauppi and Paul Viotti offer an indispensable - and comprehensive - guide to the new and old intellectual trends that are shaping the study of international relations. This is the most accessible and comprehensive textbook on IR Theory I have ever come across. My students love how the theories are presented as living and evolving fields of inquiry rather than unchanging idols placed on pedestals. The authors’ approach provides a solid foundation for student investigations into current events and incorporates fantastically into experiential learning opportunities. Kauppi and Viotti’s 7th Edition of International Relations Theory has succeeded in providing a comprehensive overview of the historical development and contemporary diversity of IR perspectives, including the axes between both empirical versus normative and traditional versus alternative approaches.