The textbook could benefit from some graphic representations. "An engaging introduction to the core concepts, theories, actors and issues in global politics. There are no major presentation errors in the book. read more. This book is designed to be a Day 0' introduction to International Relations. are not covered. Zo Jay, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Tasmania, Australia. I understand that IR is interdisciplinary and rooted in the arts and humanities, but I also think that IR can be presented in a straight-forward and clinical way that makes reading and writing on the topic simple and accessible. As it stands the textbook is rather fragmented. One minor observation is that the left justification seemed to be in different spots from one page to the next. The book presents an impressive and well-thought pedagogical outline leaving students critically engaged and encouraged to apply their new knowledge of IR to specific, concrete cases. 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 accuracy varies from chapter to chapter. IR is a discipline that is always changing. The text builds on foundational case studies and then applies this knowledge to the contemporary period. Stephen McGlinchey has brought together a fantastic collection of authors who together present a wide-ranging, critical and accessible introduction to International Relations. The writers of each chapter appear to cover all of the themes that have been traditionally a part of IR and frankly have made major steps in incorporating today's issues as such connectivity, technology and cyberissues, terrorism, religion and culture factors, climate and environmental and the emergence of new power bases in Asia and the Mideast. Still, some materials (e.g., religion, colonialism, etc.) The book is very comprehensive. It begins with the contents of international law, including the aim of preserving international order and providing for greater justice in foreign affairs between states. An excellent educational resource. Still, I'd have liked to see at least a short discussion on the changing nature of global finance in the global political economy chapter- there is a discussion of trade and multinationals which easily transitions into course discussion of GATT/WTO, and FDI, but no mention of sovereign credit or debt, which is by far the most commonly access form of global capital. The overview of the Critical Theory school starts with Marxism, proceeds to Feminism, moves on to Poststructural thought in IR. But the book should do this, because students need to be presented with examples of how IR works and how we can respond to these global issues. McGlinchy has organized the chapter contributions in a sensible and accessible manner that succeeds in covering all of the major subjects and themes of the discipline. 12. It misses some key components, the most obvious being interstate and intrastate war. In the first chapter, The Making of the Modern World, by Eric Ringmar, the emergence of the norm of sovereignty is examined as a foundational development toward the Westphalian system of nation-states that emerged in Europe. Towards Global International Relations Sahil Mathur and Amitav Acharya Part One provides excellent, succinct overviews of the fundamentals, or basics, of the field, while Part Two delves into specific global issues of contemporary importance. The text is very accessible to beginners, although a glossary would really help. As mentioned above, I appreciate that the book acknowledges the ways that IR as a discipline traditionally takes a Western approach. 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 . technology, food) and the short Yes, they provide accurate information and I could not find misinformation. Unlike typical textbooks, there are no boxes, charts, pictures or exercises. Such care for a student text has not been taken for a very long time. The approachability of the text and relevant case studies will leave students with the tools needed to understand and analyse international events. 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. first person in some, third in others) and more than half of the chapter read like they're transcripts of lectures. International Relations, Stephen McGlinchy, ed. In this case, the book can benefit from an interface with images, charts and other displays that would further the readers understanding of the key concepts, structures, and institutions and there role in IR. Why should we not be asking them to understand challenging terms? Neo-Realism is designed as re-examination, a second tier explanation that fills in the gaps classic theories neglected. read more. I saw no problems with cultural insensitivity or exclusion of any group. Traditional and Middle Ground Theories Stephen McGlinchey and Dana Gold Many reviewers have noted that the book doesn't talk about war. Overall, the book's flow is consistent. The overall narrative is engaging, but including visualizations only helps to keep that engagement, particularly with undergraduates. The book is complimented by a website, featuring interactive learning material that expands on each chapter of the book. 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. Supported by helpful case studies, key insights and key term features, the book will enable its readers to navigate the complexities of global politics. An engaging introduction to the core concepts, theories, actors and issues in global politics. 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 . For example, the chapters 8 and 10 cover topics that are usually taught in sequence. The text is quite self-referential at first. E-IR is an independent non-profit publisher run by an all volunteer team. Peter Sutch, Professor of Political and International Theory, Cardiff University, UK. Since the 1970s the study of international relations has been marked by a renewed debate about the relationship between structures and institutions in international systems. 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. The book covers a very wide and comprehensive set of topics in a concise way. 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. Raffaele Marchetti is a Professor of International Relations at LUISS. The last chapter was a bit weird, especially the bit about England's legacy for world affairs today. It has a bibliography, but throughout the text, is uses very few references, even when it seems obvious that the reader would like to know more. E-International Relations has partnered with Bloomsbury to produce a fully featured textbook for beginners. 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. The chapter also contends with the laws of peace, and international humanitarian law, including the related laws of war. Certainly not on an annual basis. 4 Foundations of International Relations Theory, 1st term 2015-2016 Question 2 Bartelson, Jens, 'Short Circuits: Society and Tradition in International Relations Theory", Review of International Studies 22 (1996): 339-60 Edward Keene, International Political Thought: A Historical Introduction (Cambridge: Polity, 2005), introduction Schmidt. Textbooks are never the most gripping reading, but even with advanced knowledge of the material in the book I found it fairly compelling, particularly because of the focus in the second half of the book on global issues. The first section of the book, "The Basics," did not cover the basics in as much detail as I would have liked to see. Some scholars might prefer to also understand the nature of government in lands, territories and empires prior to the emergence of "the state" in the context of other non-European pre-states. However, updates should be relatively easy. I thought the chapters on the environment and food security were particularly well-developed, but other chapters like the one on connectivity, communications, and technology would have been made stronger through more details or applied examples. While one might fault the textbook for not having a catchy appearance, its simple presentation ensures minimal distraction for the reader. It would be great if at least the issue chapters in the second part are written under the same framework. The textbook does not provide and index or glossary, David J. Hornsby is Associate Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) and Professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University. I do wish there was a more explicit organizing principle or thread throughout the book that you often find in introductory textbooks. I worry that assigning this text might teach bad writing habits. An excellent educational resource. The content is extremely up to date. Overall, each chapter is well written, and each chapter and section has a number of natural breaks. This is particularly key for an international relations textbook with such a heavy emphasis on current world affairs. The text is written in a very accessible way, and the various authors do a good job of explaining terms fully in the text. I don't find many of the chapters to be particularly useful for my purposes, but some other instructors might. Amitav Acharya is Distinguished Professor in the School of International Service, American University. So, when I'm looking for a book, I'm looking for a reference guide/companion to my lectures. Journalism, Media Studies & Communications, 12. This title is available for inspection copy requests. I did not see any factual errors. Insufficient attention is given to the more modern versions of these traditions, namely neoliberalism and neorealism, which have prevailed over roughly the last four decades. Some authors are from the UK and they use British English, not American English. 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. 17, as it relates to U.S. foreign policy). Clare Stevens is a Teaching Fellow in International Security with the Portsmouth Military Education team at the University of Portsmouth. While the text provides a good picture of the field overall, each chapter covers a distinct topic or issue and stands on its own. Some chapters are simplified to the level of an introductory textbook, while others use formal academic prose. A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set. Several chapters use case studies and examplesaccurately describedto illustrate complex ideas and abstract concepts. I can see myself including some chapters as supplemental reading material to my intro to IR course. Global Health Mukesh Kapila Introduction to International Relations - Stephen McGlinchey PART ONE: HISTORY AND THEORY 2. International Relations and the Global System - Stephen McGlinchey 3. As such it is a valuable resources in instances when textbook costs are a prohibitive barrier. Possibly, a glossary can be provided at the end of book so that students can refer to definitions of main terms easily. 4. 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. Each write in this book obviously bring considerable in depth, current knowledge about the special subject in IR. As is such works contribute to the domination of western thinking in international politics. An engaging introduction to the core concepts, theories, actors and issues in global politics. terminology is very clear and almost too simplistic. Reviewed by Peter Funke, Associate Professor, University of South Florida on 3/27/18, While comprehensiveness is not achievable, this edited volume covers main areas of the field. Unfortunately, its relevance (like the relevance of so many political science textbooks) will take a hit due to the global pandemic. The Eurocentric nature of the first chapter (albeit, with a degree of self-awareness from the author) can be transformed to offer a more global perspective as the books foundational stone. The book is also complimented by a bespoke curated website, featuring a regularly updated collection of interactive learning material and hosted on E-International Relations, the world's leading open access IR website.Portraying the most compelling issues of our time, and presenting the necessary tools to analyse and debate the subject, this is an invaluable resource for anyone studying international relations. Some topics, however, are dispersed throughout various chapters and could benefit from being looked at in a single section/chapter. Shazelina Z. Abidin contributes the sixth chapter, on International Organizations. The first section of the book, "The Basics," did not cover the basics in as much detail as I would have liked to see. There was nothing at all offensive about this book, but people should be aware that it is a European-worldview IR text. I could not understand the organization of the chapters. A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set, Teachers, Librarians, Parents & Caregivers. Most of the historical and contemporary issues, challenges, and problems then flow in the ensuing chapters addressing major issues one at a time. 20. I might not be the smartest guy, but I think that I already deliver smart introductory lectures. Natalie Jester is a Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology at the University of Gloucestershire. The textbooks content is up to date in two ways: the topics explored in Part Two (Global Issues) are contemporary, pressing problems in international relations, and the case studies peppered throughout are largely drawn from recent, relevant events. Each chapter is very short and can be assigned at different points within the course. Students are brought on an engaging intellectual journey through a range of contending perspectives and issues, whilst being encouraged to think critically throughout. Countries in the global south are presented as object of diplomacy, or as the sites of problems like famine, rather than presented as active participants in globalization (I guess if they'd be willing the use the term globalization, they could have avoided this problem). The text did not appear to have major grammatical errors. My chief complaint-- and this is true of most IR texts-- is that the latter third (issues) rarely refers back to concepts and theories. Instructors using this text will find that it is flexible and that sections can be assigned at different points within the course. I think each chapter is very well organized. Still, I'd have liked each chapter of the book could be assigned separately as part of the weekly readings of an intro to IR theory course. Each chapter was well laid out with subheadings. Please note items in your basket cannot be carried over to a different region. The examples are cross-cultural in scope and the the text is culturally sensitive in treatment of its topics. He has sipped tea in . This book covers an impressive range of topics. It would not be a difficult read for an undergraduate level course. The textbook is comprehensive in range of concepts it covers. In the United States, we still include segments on the causes, conduct, and consequences of both interstate (between states) and intrastate (within state) wars in our introductory IR courses. bandwidth bills to ensure we keep our existing titles free to view. Although the book lacks an index, as the editor noted as being too costly to compile. Other elements are deeply historical and unlikely to need updating anytime soon. Additionally, the the subject of diplomacy itself was not explained very well or in much depth before the chapter went into quite a bit of detail covering nuclear proliferation, which seems to me to be something that should be discussed after basic concepts are covered. The book could have also strived forand consequently benefitted fromgreater diversity among the chapter authors, who are overwhelmingly from the West. My sense is that this omission emerges from its European perspective. Some of the topics are presented in an odd order and appeared repetitive across chapters. Reviewed by Emily Channell-Justice, Visiting Assistant Professor, Miami University of Ohio on 6/20/17, The book is presented as a beginner's guide to International Relations and in this way is comprehensive in its presentation of basic issues relevant to the subject. These three omissions lessen the usability of the text. 6. 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. The book covers a very wide and comprehensive set of topics in a concise way. The organization, structure, and flow of the text are effective, and assigning the sections in a different order would not be detrimental to this. For instance, assigning one chapter from Part One of the text ('The Basics') along with one chapter from Part Two of the text ('Global Issues') would usefully blend the more theoretically, abstract discussion of topics in Part One with the more detailed, case-specific treatment in Part Two. Since there are no images or suggestions for discussion or further reading, a faculty member using this book would have to do a huge amount of work to make the text engaging for students. An immensely user-friendly introduction to International Relations, replete with diagrams, maps, illustrations and helpful summaries of the material covered. Potential users may want to be aware that the text is designed to flow in a certain order, so in most cases rearranging chapters out-of-order would not be advised. While some of the specific data will need to be updated (references to the debt/deficit as it stands now, etc), overall the theoretical discussion and the overall structure of the book should enable extended longevity. The chapter on protecting people is really about war and civil war presented in a novel way. examples like the environment, global food crisis). Reviewed by Abigail Post, Assistant Professor of Political Science and National Security, Anderson University on 12/4/20, I would not classify this as a comprehensive text of introductory international relations. It is pretty much comprehensive. It didn't bother me. Please sign in or create an account. Stephen McGlinchey is Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of the West of England, Bristol and Editor-in-Chief of E-International Relations. Please note items in your basket cannot be carried over to a different region. His main research interests are in US-Iran relations during the Cold War. 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. Being able to point to good visualizations (charts, in particular) in the textbook would be much more of a strength than a distraction.
practical foundations of international relations
practical foundations of international relations
practical foundations of international relations