International Relations Theory: A Critical Introduction

By Cynthia Weber

Book Overview

The fourth edition of this innovative textbook introduces students to the main theories in international relations. It explains and analyzes each theory, allowing students to understand and critically engage with the myths and assumptions behind them. Each theory is illustrated using the example of a popular film.

Key features of this textbook include:

Discussion of all the main theories: realism and neo-realism, idealism and neo-idealism, liberalism, constructivism, postmodernism, gender, globalization, environmentalism, anarchism

A new chapter on anarchism, debt and the Occupy Movement including use of the film, The Hunger Games

New chapter brings the textbook up to date with reflections on the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and reactions to it by focusing on the myth this crisis generated, 'We are the 99%'

Innovative use of narratives from films that students will be familiar with: Lord of the Flies, Independence Day, Wag the Dog, Fatal Attraction, The Truman Show, East is East, Memento, WALL-E and The Hunger Games

Accessible and exciting writing style which is well-illustrated with film stills in each chapter, boxed key concepts and guides to further reading.

This breakthrough textbook has been designed to unravel the complexities of international relations theory in a way that gives students a clearer idea of how the theories work, and of the myths associated with them.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415713064
• ISBN13: 9780415713061
• Release Date: November 2013
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.8" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Glad I had to read it

I also had to get this book for a graduate class in international relations. I thought Weber's technique of using movies to illustrate theories of international relations was innovative and effective. This is a text I will keep on my shelf and read again.

Fascinating look at metaphysics of major IR theories

The other reviewers may be approaching this book from an undergraduate perspective, which is entirely legitimate. I can remember well my own frustrations with the manner in which IR theorists seemed to simply ignore the facts of the real world. But as my studies progressed, I came to understand that theory is always present. It always mediates between the facts we see and the interpretations we put on them. This is why Cynthia Weber's book is so important. Thru her analysis of a series of films she demonstrates how each main IR theory is beholden to a certain metaphysics about the actors of world politics, and relations the define them. Its a very novel idea, and she writes in a very accessible manner. I will definitely be using this book in my IR classes from here on in.