Foundations of International Relations - Goodreads Stephen McGlinchey has brought together a fantastic collection of authors who together present a wide-ranging, critical and accessible introduction to International Relations. In all, I like this book, but it could have been made better with a few tweaks. It follows the basic format that most intro texts cover-- it starts with big themes and Power and Foreign Policy in International Relations: O.P. These text's underlying theme (obvious though never explicitly stated) is that of globalization as a cause of peace. This is an archaic way of teaching and learning about the world. John A. Rees is a Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Notre Dame Australia. Both the terminology and framework of the chapters is internally consistent. There is some referring back to other chapters and topics but there could be more given that it is a textbook. It will be easy to assign single chapters. Because of the topical focus, instructors can easily integrate the various chapters into their course. The book is very comprehensive. A wide range of topics are covered. Despite these efforts, there remains much scope for further diversity: even as case illustrations from the Global South are present, Western examples still form the majority. Political Realism in International Relations - Stanford Encyclopedia of So, when I'm looking for a book, I'm looking for a reference guide/companion to my lectures. More focused and comprehensive discussion of 20th century cases, especially WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, would be useful, at least for American students. The text builds on foundational case studies and then applies this knowledge to the contemporary period. Shazelina Z. Abidin contributes the sixth chapter, on International Organizations. McGlinchy himself authors chapter two, taking up the issue of diplomacy through a number of illustrative cases. There are no images or any other illustrations. However, these are almost always on deeply contested issues in the field; interested readers could consult other sources for more nuanced analyses. We'll see exactly how much effort is required when I begin developing the syllabus for next semester. Featuring a combination of chapters authored by leading scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the world, this textbook takes into account the historical development of international relations and the web of dynamics that forms the subject, resulting in a clear analysis of the . There was nothing at all offensive about this book, but people should be aware that it is a European-worldview IR text. I would not classify this as a comprehensive text of introductory international relations. organization of the edited volume seems to be all over the place. There is one chapter about "culture and religion" (which, first of all, each deserve there own attention) which tells us nothing about how cultural diversity impacts international relations. Chapter five, written by Knut Traisbach, introduces public international law. Foundations of International Relations delivers a comprehensive explanation of International Relations that includes a thorough introduction to critical theories and non-western viewpoints alongside established IR theories and narratives. Finally, the chapter concludes by illuminating the ways in which international organizations shape the world. In conclusion, the text McGlincheys introductory level International Relations volume is clear, and the writing is well edited. It would also enhance its teaching ability. No major comments. Introduction to International Relations - Stephen McGlinchey PART ONE: HISTORY AND THEORY 2. International Relations and the Global System - Stephen McGlinchey 3. Transnational Terrorism Katherine E. Brown For example, the chapters 8 and 10 cover topics that are usually taught in sequence. Of course, it's not a perfect IR textbook, but there's no "perfect" textbook, either. I did particularly like Chapter 12, "Connectivity, Communications, and Technology," because it discusses things like the internet and internet commerce that relate directly to students' lives. I especially appreciate the efforts to highlight ways the discipline of IR is traditionally taught from a Western perspective, why that is problematic, and to point out differing perspectives. Overall, this is a basic introductory text that to my mind holds promise. The textbook is inaccurate mostly because it's separate chapters allow each author to condense huge topics into a very short space. state). Each chapter has a separate author but it does begin by making a connection to other chapters. Key Theories of International Relations - Norwich University Jessica Neafie, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan. al. China's top leader, Xi Jinping, has rolled out the red carpet for President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva of Brazil, lauding him as "an old friend of the Chinese people.". Reviewed by Michelle Allendoerfer, Assistant Professor, The George Washington University on 12/17/20, The book covers a very wide and comprehensive set of topics in a concise way. read more. The edited volume captures the relevant debates in IR and provides an overall view of open topics in a manner to insuniate longer term discussion. All content on the website (with the exception of images) is published under the following Creative Commons License, Copyright E-International Relations. Foundations of International Relations is a wonderfully rich, yet highly accessible, introduction to International Relations, both as a subject and as a discipline. For example, the IR theories are not covered in as much depth as they should be, and the author of that chapter seems to be somewhat dismissive of them. Stephen McGlinchey is a Senior Lecturer in Interna. I worry that assigning this text might teach bad writing habits. 19. For instance, the chapter on the environment focuses almost exclusively on international agreements, but not on differential expectations for countries, debates around these policies, and the real-life impacts of climate change and environmental policy. Theories of International Relations - Study.com read more. Before you download your free e-book, please consider donating to At the same time, the second half ("global issues") that focuses on contemporary problems, would have to be updated quite regularly (i.e. This is incorrect. The second half takes the book from "good" to "fantastic". The broad organization of the text into The Basics (Part One) and Global Issues (Part Two) and the sequencing of the chapters in Part One are logical. examples like the environment, global food crisis). Peter Vale is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria, and Nelson Mandela Professor of Politics Emeritus at Rhodes University. Reviewed by David Mislan, Assistant Professor, American University on 2/1/18, International Relations is an edited volume that attempts to cover all of the common themes in an introduction to IR course. Part One of the text lays out the basic building blocks that one would expect to find in an introductory international relations textbook, and then in Part Two the authors compellingly explore these concepts across a wide range of relevant global issues. I agree that it reflects views more common among European scholars than in the USA. Stephen McGlinchey is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE Bristol). In a couple of rare instances, the simplified presentation might be construed as inaccurate or, at least, controversial. In general, the book presents accurate accounts of the key themes in IR, from a range of perspectives. Still, I believe it's highly consistent, and any small discrepancy across authors would not generate any confusion to students. The jargon and technical terminology used is clearly defined in language accessible to our students. Possibly, a glossary can be provided at the end of book so that students can refer to definitions of main terms easily. each chapter of the book could be assigned separately as part of the weekly readings of an intro to IR theory course. Dana Gold works in regulatory strategy and research for the Ontario Public Service. Part Two, on the other hand, can come across as a set of issues put together in no particular order. The authors of this book did well writing about the topics in a way that it will not become obsolete within a short period of time. I look forward to adopting this book in the Spring- while there are some issues with the ability to design a course around it (ie the text itself isn't flexible to starting from a different point than the text does), I believe it is worth the effort. The text is largely inclusive, and the individual authors are representative of the global nature of the discipline. Stephen McGlinchey has brought together a fantastic collection of authors who together present a wide-ranging, critical and accessible introduction to International Relations. It flows from chapter to chapter and theme to theme rather seamlessly. It would be nice if clicking on a chapter title or page number in the table of contents took you to the chapter. This title is available for exam copy requests. Stephen Hill, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Edinburgh, UK, Registered Office: 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP. Clare Stevens is a Teaching Fellow in International Security with the Portsmouth Military Education team at the University of Portsmouth. Also, I would expect more on the war/crisis in Ukraine (there is no mention of Maidan at all) and contemporary relations with Russia, which are addressed cursorily and from a very obviously Euro-Atlantic security community perspective. There are no images, charts, or boxes; rather, case studies serve as illustration. This book is designed to be a Day 0' introduction to International Relations. The core strength of this textbook is the clarity it brings to explaining the many concepts and theories that make up International Relations it introduces students to the nuance and complexity of the field in an exciting and accessible way. read more. The first 3-4 chapters were too interconnected. As such it is a valuable resources in instances when textbook costs are a prohibitive barrier. However, it requires a more explicit and systematic theoretical/conceptual framework to operate as a stand-alone text for an Introduction to IR class. Reviewed by Robert Asaadi, Instructor, Portland State University on 1/27/22, Part One of the text lays out the basic building blocks that one would expect to find in an introductory international relations textbook, and then in Part Two the authors compellingly explore these concepts across a wide range of relevant global Global Civil Society Raffaele Marchetti While the preface indicates that there are "no boxes, charts, pictures, or exercises" because "these things can be a distraction", I find that in particular to be counterproductive. Global Health Mukesh Kapila The writing is clear and concise. Foundations of International Relations - Bloomsbury Foundations of International Relations delivers a comprehensive explanation of International Relations that includes a thorough introduction to critical theories and non-western viewpoints alongside established IR theories and narratives. Foundations of International Relations is a wonderfully rich, yet highly accessible, introduction to International Relations, both as a subject and as a discipline. They move into the so-called middle ground (their phrase) in assessing the consequence of the English School of IR theory, before examining Constructivism. From this perspective, cooperative security policies do not preclude the need for suitable military capabilities or the occasional use of force. For example, traditional Realists remain adamant that actors are individuals in international affairs, referencing . Knut Traisbach is Adjunct Professor of International Law and Human Rights at the University of Barcelona and at ESADE, University Ramon Llull. I found the book to be accurate on the topics it covers. The differences between and respective functions of inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations is explicated. However, when combining various chapters from parts 1 and 2, the reading assignments are coherent. Traditional and Middle Ground Theories Stephen McGlinchey and Dana Gold Dozen of ways to do it but it follows a somewhat standard approach. CENTER FOR OPEN EDUCATION | The Open Education Network is based in the Center for Open Education in the University of Minnesotas College of Education and Human Development. Connectivity, Communications And Technology, 17. Sentence structure and grammar are excellent. The chapter on Pax Americana is also about security. I believe this is because book is more of a reader with many scholars focusing on a specific area of IR. I suppose that faculty members adopting this book can create their own glossaries and materials. It is mostly up to date and relevant. The textbook does not provide and index or glossary, International relations - Structures, institutions, and levels of Future editions of the book would benefit from further diversifying the set of authors; including more contemporary, pressing global issues (such as, for example, the rise of China); and streamlining the structure of individual chapters to follow a common, pedagogically effective standard. As an introductory, day-zero IR text, the book provides readers with enough detail to kindle curiosity, without overburdening them with a flood of information. Since I use introductory courses to introduce students to basic research and citations procedures, I like texts that are very good at this. Since the undergraduate audience is the primary target, pictures, graphics and other visual representations would significantly increase the textbooks appeal. I highly recommend this unique book to both beginner and more advanced students. the edited volume definitely deserves a more consistent narrative across chapters. This title is available for inspection copy requests. In my introductory course, I tend to delve a bit deeper into a number of issues, but this textbook overall provides a good framework to build those discussions off of. I found some of the chapters to be written in an incredibly simple way, beneficial for introductory students. This is ridiculously boring and very far out of touch from how students actually learn. Chapters cover topics including race, colonialism, gender, sexuality, digital globalization, the environment and security studies and are supported by a range of case studies, key boxes and illustrative material to aid students in their practical application of theoretical ideas. it would have helped if the editor pushed the contributing authors to adapt a more nuanced language for their chapters. Each chapter looks quite the same, although several of the "global issues" chapters are quite short. read more. Most importantly, I personally would not want to adopt this textbook without understanding the plan for updating it, as some of this information will likely seem outdated or obsolete in the next 5-10 years. Moving away from a purely European perspective, students will gain an understanding of traditional ideas about international organisation, whilst also appreciating how issues such as COVID and food security are truly international in scope. International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell has spent the weekend in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, to meet with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki . The overview of the Critical Theory school starts with Marxism, proceeds to Feminism, moves on to Poststructural thought in IR. On this, it does relatively well. Some authors rely on run-on sentences and page-long paragraphs. This is good for a smarter, more experienced reader, but it's a problem for most novice readers. I did not see any factual errors. The chapter on protecting people is really about war and civil war presented in a novel way. Reviewed by George Amedee, Professor, SUNO on 12/12/19, The book is very comprehensive. The book makes an effort to include a diversity of perspectives in IR, reflecting the theoretical and empirical diversity that the field is striving toward. The 1954 Conference on International Politics reveals a deep concern with the interrelations among international relations (IR) theory, the practice of foreign policy, and morality. Not all do, however. The book is very consistent. Andreas Haggman is Head of Cyber Advocacy at the United Kingdoms Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Related ideas are well-grouped and the presentation of topics is logical and clear. I can see myself including some chapters as supplemental reading material to my intro to IR course. This product is usually dispatched within 1 week, Free US delivery on orders $35 or over. There have not been a lot if any mention of contributions of non-western thinkers and scholars to the field of IR. Article A Brief Introduction to the Study of International Relations A feature for those interested in becoming familiar with the study of IR and also for students struggling to grasp how IR fits together. The respective sections of the text can also be assigned separately. For example, chapter 2 was really the first substantive chapter in the work, and it was on diplomacy. Please sign in or create an account. This book is not worth using just because it is open access. Foundations of International Relations - amazon.com Mostly yes, materials are clearly written. The text is quite self-referential at first. I don't find many of the chapters to be particularly useful for my purposes, but some other instructors might. Anitta Kynsilehto is a Senior Research Fellow at Tampere Peace Research Institute, Tampere University. However, it addresses early in the book the historical existence of pre-state areas in a European context only. The instructor would have to find creative ways to do any practical exercises, and this seems like way too much work when much better texts exist. In the first case he examines efforts to regulate and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, including the recent case of Iran. Levels of Analysis Carmen Gebhard The chapter on food insecurity has a "bottom up perspective" that gives examples from everyday life in a number of countries and is designed to draw in readers rather than overwhelm them with global statistics. I appreciate the editor's note indicating that these items were sacrificed in order to produce a free text, but I feel there were some extremely low- or no-cost ways of enhancing the text that would have been beneficial. Unlike typical textbooks, there are no boxes, charts, pictures or exercises. read more. I did have some issue with some concepts or historical developments being explained out-of-order or across multiple chapters, for example the history and development of the UN--which is spread across chapters 4, 5, and 6--and the Cold War, which is discussed piecemeal in multiple chapters. 1. This course provides a broad introduction to the study of international relations. The textbook presents a very euro (western) centric view of the international relations. Foundations of international relations: an Islamic Sufi approach - Emerald I think this book will work well alongside other materials. The author takes many steps towards pointing that out and incorporating different perspectives. Because the chapters can each stand alone, I think it's a great resource for instructors to be able to assign one or a few chapters to supplement other materials in the course. Reviewed by Hakseon Lee, Professor, James Madison University on 11/26/21, It is pretty much comprehensive. I believe it is because the editor did not set out a clear organizing theme for the test. As a reader in the field, it seemed to me that this was a little strict and that a good professor could easily reorganize the book in order to, for example, assign an "issues" chapter along with a "basics" chapter in order to illustrate some points. No index but you can search as it is available electronically. Global Diplomacy - Diplomacy in the Modern World: University of London. The textbook does not provide and index or glossary, but since it is available electronically looking up terms and words of interest is of no difficulty. Every major facet of IR is covered in clearly written terms. Individual chapters can, therefore, be easily assigned for specific course subunits, without losing any of the books broader context. Your donations allow us to invest in new open access titles and pay our See More Copyright Year: 2022 E-Book (PDF) Availability: Published ISBN: 978-90-04-47050-7 Released online: Robbie Shilliam is a Professor of International Relations at Johns Hopkins University. E-IR is an independent non-profit publisher run by an all volunteer team. Yet another compilation of IR chapters from a very western oriented set of authors. There are many topics that I don't typically cover in an Intro to IR course but that I could see being interesting to students (e.g. As I have said in previous comments, the first chapter is quite insensitive, but others are much more inclusive. The chapters are consistent in length and style. They begin with a helpful introduction to the particular use of terms in IR theory, then proceed to define each of the traditional theories of liberalism and realism that have long dominated the discipline. Katherine E. Brown is a Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Birmingham. Other chapters were not as accessible. I think the aspects that are current could easily be updated without a complete overhaul of the book. Peter Vale's chapter with personal reflections on the field of IR would make a good starting chapter for a course in lieu of the 1st chapter of this book. Best International Relations Courses [2023] | Coursera Additionally, the authors state clearly that the chapters should not be "cherry picked" and must be read one after another--I did not find this to be the case and had no issues jumping around. Several chapters reference current events heavily, which will need updates soon. By Michael J. McNeal, Ph.D. Stephen McGlinchy, et. At best, this organization is a missed opportunity. As it stands the textbook is rather fragmented. The professor using this text would almost certainly need to supplement it with additional readings, and would probably also need to put a good deal of thought into designing exercises, lectures, tests, and study guides based on this material. The book is currently the sole open-access textbook in the field of IR, and promises to expose significant numbers of prospective students of IR to an informed, academic introduction to and assessment of the field. Towards Global International Relations Sahil Mathur and Amitav Acharya Poverty and Wealth James Arvanitakis and David J. Hornsby EU customers: we regret we cannot currently supply print inspection copies via the website but eBooks are available.If you would like an eBook and the option is not displayed below, please email [emailprotected] with your request. Most of the historical and contemporary issues, challenges, and problems then flow in the ensuing chapters addressing major issues one at a time. Adding discussion questions at the end of each chapter, as well as a summary of key themes, would greatly help the reader. Supported by helpful case studies, key insights and key term features, the book will enable its readers to navigate the complexities of global politics. The textbook does not provide and index or glossary, International Relations is an edited volume that attempts to cover all of the common themes in an introduction to IR course. Each chapter can stand alone. Let's face it, though-- who has time for that? The textbook could benefit from some graphic representations. Foundations of International Relations Stephen McGlinchey (Volume Editor) Paperback $40.95 $36.85 Hardback $130.00 $117.00 Quantity In stock $117.00 RRP $130.00 Website price saving $13.00 (10%) Add to basket Add to wishlist This product is usually dispatched within 1 week Delivery and returns info Free US delivery on orders $35 or over The five main theories of international relations. I would also like to have seen each chapter end with a brief Further Reading list for students interested in the topic of the chapter, particularly since the main chapters in the first section are quite short. As Xi Befriends World Leaders, He Hardens His Stance on the U.S. Featuring a combination of chapters authored by leading scholars, researchers and practitioners from around the world, this textbook takes into account the historical development of international relations and the web of dynamics that forms the subject, resulting in a clear analysis of the field from . Many thanks! Most, but not all, chapters are designed to first briefly introduce the topic or concept, followed by illustrative cases to help the readers comprehension. International Relations (17 reviews) Stephen McGlinchey, University of the West of England Copyright Year: 2016 ISBN 13: 9781910814185 Publisher: E-International Relations Language: English Formats Available PDF Conditions of Use Attribution-NonCommercial CC BY-NC Reviews Learn more about reviews.
