Theories of International Relations

This major reference work comprises 80 articles representing the most influential theoretical writings by international relations scholars. Introduced by an essay from Stephen Chan and Cerwyn Moore, the four thematically organized volumes cover the major traditions of international relations (IR) theory:

Volume 1 examines realist theory in IR and includes classic realist statements as well as recent theoretical critiques and debates that have helped set the parameters of this approach.

Volume 2 traces the development of pluralist approaches to IR from the historical emergence of liberalism through to contemporary work on globalization, human rights and ethics.

Volume 3 covers the various structuralist approaches stemming from the thinking of Marx and Gramsci as well as more recent work on the structures of global civil society and international political economy.

Volume 4 focuses on the range of reflexive approaches to international relations that include constructivism, feminism, postmodernism and critical geopolitics.

Together, the four volumes provide an unparalleled resource providing both broad coverage of the subject, historical depth and contemporary relevance.