Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches

Abstract

Introduction to International Relations provides a concise introduction to the principal international relations theories and approaches, and explores how theory can be used to analyse contemporary issues. Throughout the text, the chapters encourage readers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the theories presented, and the major points of contention between them. In so doing, the text helps the reader to build a clear understanding of how major theoretical debates link up with each other, and how the structure of the discipline of international relations is established. The book places a strong emphasis throughout on the relationship between theory and practice, carefully explaining how theories organize and shape our view of the world. It also shows how a historical perspective can often refine theories and provide a frame of reference for contemporary problems of international relations. Topics include realism, liberalism, International Society, International Political Economy, social constructivism, post-positivism in international relations, major issues in IPE and IR, foreign policy, and world order. Each chapter ends by discussing how different theories have attempted to integrate or combine international and domfactors in their explanatory frameworks. The final part of the book is dedicated to major global issues and how theory can be used as a tool to analyse and interpret these issues. The text is accompanied by online resources, which include: short case studies, review questions, annotated web links, and a flashcard glossary.

Transnationalism: The fifth element of the Pacific Alliance's deep integration process

“…Social encounters' transaction costs are lower than those associated with severe confrontations and prolonged hostilities. Furthermore, as individuals share many interests that engage them in collaborative and cooperative actions, their interactions result in more significant benefits at home and abroad (Jackson & Sørensen, 2010, pp. 102–103).…”

“…Karl Deutsch, one of the founding fathers of transnationalism, argued that a high degree of transnational ties between societies leads to peaceful relations that nurture prosperity and peace among nations. As a result, he was particularly interested in studying the extent of communication and transactions between societies (Deutsch et al, 1957; in Jackson & Sørensen, 2010, p. 99). In this sense, transnational frameworks are suitable for characterizing an individual actor or a behavior model.…”

Africa’s Fledgling Democratization Process Once More at the Crossroads: Continental Security and International Relations Implications

“…To that end, diplomats, experts, and policy-makers are guided by these concepts anytime they have to advise governments on measures to take regarding international political issues such as the displacement of constitutional governments; as happening in Africa of late (Carisnaes, et al 2012;Markwica 2018). Many theories abound in IR that include realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, and feminism, inter alia, that underpin the conduct of international relations (Jackson and Sorensen 2015). First, the realism theory states that nation-states as principal actors in IR are always working to increase their powerbase where they can easily eclipse the achievements of less powerful international players (Antunes and Camisao 2018;Dunne and Schmidt 2004).…”

“…That stated, the theory of liberalism guides this study, which is based on the belief that the current global system is capable of engendering a peaceful world order not through military action but through International corporations, within the context of economic and social power (Chandler 2010). The theory further holds that state preferences (cultural, economic, and political choices) rather than state capabilities, primarily determine state behavior that allows for plurality in state actions, unlike realism where the state is seen as the unitary actor (Jackson and Sorensen 2015). Hence, rather than an anarchic international system, many opportunities abound through cooperation and interdependence among states that bring absolute gains to them including an overall peaceful globe.…”

Stability and Order in Europe Revisited: Lessons since 1945

“…The achievement of Europe and the European Union's (EU) legacy since the end of the second world war is known to many, especially to comparative regionalism students (Sorenson et al 2022). By the end of the Cold War, the EU model often inspired the rise of regional arrangements in developing regions (Acharya and Buzan 2019, 28;Acharya 2021, 5).…”