Making Sense of International Relations Theory

Contents: 1. Making sense of international relations theory/Jennifer Sterling-Folker .  2. Realist approaches.  3. Liberal approaches.  4. Game theory approaches.  5. Constructivist approaches.  6. Postmodern and critical theory approaches.  7. Historical materialism and world system theory approaches.  8. Feminist approaches.  9. English school approaches.  10. Environmental approaches.  11. Applying international relations theory/ Jennifer Sterling-Folker.

What does it mean to adopt a realist, or a world system, or an environmental approach to international relations? Does the plethora of "isms" have any relevance to the real world of global politics and policymaking? Making Sense of lnternational Relations Theory addresses these questions by illustrating theories in action.

With the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies as a common point of reference, each contributor presents a particular framework for interpreting world affairs. This structure offers students tangible examples of how theory is used in practice and at the same time highlights the explanatory differences among theories. Incorporating extensive introductory sections, the book is uniquely designed to explore alternative ways of understanding current events - to assist students in making sense of, as well as with, IR theory.