Bringing together the most influential scholars in the field, the fifth edition of this best-selling text provides unrivalled coverage of international relations theories and arguments.

International Relations Theories explores the full spectrum of theoretical perspectives and debates, ranging from the historically dominant traditions of realism, liberalism and Marxism to traditionally marginalised postcolonialism and green theory. Each chapter is dedicated to a particular theory and features a case study that bridges theory and practice by showing how it can be used to explain real world political dilemmas. Accompanying case study questions encourage analytical thinking and help readers understand the value of applying theory to concrete political problems.

This text features a new chapter on global IR, encouraging students to critically reflect on the context of the field's development and appreciate the importance of viewing international relations theories from truly representative perspectives.

KEY FEATURES

• Expert line-up of contributors offer coverage of dominant and emerging theories and arguments from diverse perspectives
• Includes coverage of historically marginalised theories, including postcolonialism and environmentalism
• A case study in each chapter shows how theory can be used to explain real-world problems and dilemmas and additional questions to encourage students to analyse and evaluate the different theories for themselves
• Highlights key books, articles and prominent works to encourage students to broaden their reading and research in the field.

NEW TO THIS EDITION

• New chapter on global IR by Professor Amitav Acharya encourages students to critically reflect on the context in which IR developed and appreciate the importance of viewing international relations theories from truly representative perspectives
• Revised part structure introducing each section provides an overarching narrative to the text, helping students to understand and interpret different approaches
• Updated online resources include pointers on answering case study questions, supporting students to apply theories to real world issues.

This title is available as an eBook. Visit VitalSource for more information or to purchase.

1. Introduction: Diversity and Disciplinarity in International Relations Theory Steve Smith
2. International Relations and Social Science Colin Wight and Milja Kurki
3. Classical Realism Richard Ned Lebow
4. Structural Realism John J. Mearsheimer
5. Liberalism Bruce Russett
6. Neoliberalism Jennifer Sterling-Folker
7. The English School Tim Dunne
8. Marxism Mark Rupert
9. Critical Theory Steven Roach
10. Constructivism Karin Fierke
11. Feminism Ann Tickner and Laura Sjoberg
12. Poststructuralism Roland Bleiker and David Campbell
13. Postcolonialism Shampa Biswas
14. Normative IR Theory Toni Erskine
15. Green Theory Robyn Eckersley
16. International Relations Theory and Globalization Colin Hay
17. Global International Relations Amitav Acharya
18. Still a Discipline After All These Debates? Ole Waever

Tim Dunne – Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Queensland

Milja Kurki – Professor of International Relations Theory, Aberystwyth University

Steve Smith – University of Exeter, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

Contributors:

Steve Smith – University of Exeter
Colin Wight – The University of Sydney
Milja Kurki – Aberystwyth University
Richard Ned Lebow – King's College London
John J. Mearsheimer – University of Chicago
Bruce Russett – Yale University
Jennifer Sterling-Folker – University of Connecticut
Tim Dunne – University of Queensland
Mark Rupert – Syracuse University
Steven Roach – University of South Florida
Karin Fierke – University of St Andrews
Ann Tickner – American University
Laura Sjoberg – University of Florida
Roland Bleiker – University of Queensland
David Campbell – World Press Photo Foundation
Shampa Biswas – Whitman College
Toni Erskine – ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
Robyn Eckersley – University of Melbourne
Colin Hay – Sciences Po
Amitav Acharya – American University
Ole Waever – University of Copenhagen

The following resources are available for students using International Relations Theories, fifth edition, for their course:

• Explore areas of research interest with web links organized by chapter that point you to pertinent articles and useful websites
• Test your understanding of key terms with the flashcard glossary
• Use the revision guide as a useful overview of key theories and issues to form the basis for your assessment preparation
• Develop your skills of critical evaluation with pointers on answering case study questions, helping you to apply theories to real world issues.

The following resources are available for lecturers who prescribe International Relations Theories, fifth edition, for their course: 

• Adaptable PowerPoint slides that can be used as the basis for lecture presentations or seminar discussion, ensuring efficient, effective teaching preparation.

"Chapter 17 on Global International Relations is very well-written and informative. The author not only makes the compelling case that the future of IR is global, but that IR has always been global. " - Dr Dimitrios Stroikos, Department of Politics, University of York