International Relations Theory: A Critical Introduction

By Cynthia Weber

Book Overview

The fifth 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 neorealism, idealism and neoidealism, liberalism, constructivism, postmodernism, gender, globalization, neo-Marxism, modernization and development theory, environmentalism, anarchism, and queer theory. A new chapter focused on global LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans) theory and queer theory, Hillary Clinton's policy myth that "gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights," and the film Love is Strange. Innovative use of narrative 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, The Hunger Games, and Love is Strange. An accessible and exciting writing style, boxed key concepts, and guides for further reading. A comprehensive Companion Website featuring a complete set of lectures for every major theory and film covered in the textbook, additional workshop and seminar exercises, slides to accompany each lecture, and an extensive bank of multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions and answers for every chapter.

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: 036744271X
• ISBN13: 9780367442712
• Release Date: March 2021
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.8" x 9.7"

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.