International Relations Theory

A Primer

Second Edition

Elizabeth G. Matthews and Rhonda L. Callaway

Focus on five theories identified by the Teaching, Research, and International Policy (TRIP) project as those most often taught in introductory IR courses
Inclusion of two case studies on non-proliferation and trade in each theory chapter
Utilizes "Family Tree" visuals that graphically and intuitively illustrate the sub-theories of each major theory
Encourages students to apply the theory to real-world scenarios to see both their explanatory power as well as their deficiencies

New to this Edition:

Includes updated case studies: one on the tension between free trade and protectionism and the other on nonproliferation and arms races
Offers an analysis of international relations theories to explain each of the book's case studies
Discusses green theory in the final chapter, illustrating the emergence of new theories in the field that are becoming more commonplace and pressing in modern IR courses

International Relations Theory

A Primer

Second Edition

Elizabeth G. Matthews and Rhonda L. Callaway

Description

Ideal as a brief main text for IR Theories courses or as a supplemental text for IR, American Foreign Policy, or Global Studies courses, International Relations Theory: A Primer, Second Edition, covers the main definitions, concepts, arguments, and criticisms regarding the five predominant IR theories and approaches used in the field today: realism, liberalism, constructivism, economic structuralism, and feminism. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, it helps students understand and critique the theories and apply them to real-world issues.

International Relations Theory

A Primer

Second Edition

Elizabeth G. Matthews and Rhonda L. Callaway

Each chapter includes Suggested Readings and Key Terms

Chapter 1: Introduction
Evolution of International Relations Theories
The Study of International Relations
Levels of Analysis
Case Study I: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study II: Trade and Protectionism
Organization of the Book

Chapter 2: Realism
Roots and Evolution of Realism
-Central Assumptions
Classical Realism
-Pioneers in the Field
-Spotlight on Policymakers: George Kennan
Neorealism (Structural Realism)
-Pioneers in the Field
-Polarity and Balance versus Imbalance of Power
Neoclassical Realism
-Pioneers in the Field
Mercantilism
Criticisms of Realism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Protectionism

Chapter 3: Liberalism
Roots and Evolution of Liberalism
-Central Assumptions
Liberal Internationalism
-Pioneers in the Field
-Neoliberal Institutionalism
-Pioneers in the Field
-Barriers to Cooperation and How States Overcome Them
Laissez-Faire and Economic Liberalism
-Pioneers on the Field
Spotlight on Policymakers: John Maynard Keynes
-Globalization and Liberal Economic Policies in Crisis?
Criticisms of Liberalism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Protectionism
Conclusion

Chapter 4: Economic Structuralism
Roots and Evolution of Economic Structuralism
-Central Assumptions
Classical Marxism and Imperialism
-Pioneers in the Field
Economic Structuralism and Dependency Theory
-Pioneers in the Field
Spotlight on Policymakers: Raul Prebisch
-Marxist Variant of Dependency Theory
-Non-Marxist Variant of Dependency Theory
World Systems Theory
-Pioneers in the Field
Criticisms of Economic Structuralism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Protectionism
Conclusion

Chapter 5: Constructivism
Constructivism and the Third Debate
Roots and Evolution of Constructivism
-Central Assumptions
Spotlight on Policymakers: Raphael Lemkin
Emergence of Constructivism
-Modernist Constructivists: Pioneers in the Field
-Naturalistic Constructivists: Pioneers in the Field
-Postmodernist Constructivists: Pioneers in the Field
Criticisms of Constructivism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Proliferation
Conclusion

Chapter 6: Feminism
Feminism: A Movement
Spotlight on Policymakers: Margot Wallström
Roots and Evolution of Feminist International Relations Theory
-Central Assumptions
Family of Theories
-Feminist Empiricism
-The Feminist Standpoint
-Feminist Postmodernism
-Pioneers in the Field
Criticisms of Feminism
Case Study: Proliferation and Arms Races
Case Study: Trade and Protectionism
Conclusion
Key Terms
Suggested Reading

Chapter 7: Conclusion
Ontology and Epistemology Revisited
Towards a Holistic Approach to Studying International Relations
-English School
-Critical Theory
-Post-Colonialism
-Green Theory
Case Studies: A Holistic Approach to Proliferation and Trade Liberalization
-Proliferation and Arms Races
-Trade and Protectionism
Where do we go from here?
Key Terms
Suggested Reading

International Relations Theory

A Primer

Second Edition

Elizabeth G. Matthews and Rhonda L. Callaway

Author Information

Elizabeth G. Matthews is Professor of Political Science and Global Studies at California State University San Marcos. She is a coauthor of World Politics in a New Era, Sixth Edition (OUP, 2013) and the editor of The Israel-Palestine Conflict: Parallel Discourses (2011).

Rhonda L. Callaway is Professor of Political Science at Sam Houston State University. She is the coeditor of Exploring International Human Rights: Essential Readings (2007).

Dr. Matthews and Dr. Callaway are the coauthors of Strategic U.S. Foreign Assistance: The Battle Between Human Rights and National Security (2008).

International Relations Theory

A Primer

Second Edition

Elizabeth G. Matthews and Rhonda L. Callaway

Reviews and Awards

"This book is an excellent fit for Intro to IR and Intro to IR Theory courses. It has the distinct competitive advantage of including chapters dedicated to several major IR theories, not just realism and liberalism. It's not overly simplistic, and closes each section with practical application of the theories."--Lan T. Chu, Occidental College

"International Relations Theory is an excellent and comprehensive analysis of the main theories in the field of international relations. The book shows how each significant event or institution is analyzed through each of the theories. Moreover, it looks at the debates in the field and critiques each from that perspective. All students should have a copy to refer to when they are analyzing international issues."--Raymonde Kleinberg, University of North Carolina Wilmington

"It is important for students to understand theories and to see the common connections between them. The application of a specific issue, like nuclear proliferation, provides a good grounding for students to understand and compare the various theories."--John Miglietta, Tennessee State University