International Relations: Perspectives and Controversies - Softcover

Shimko, Keith L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0618215484 ISBN 13: 9780618215485

Publisher: Cengage Learning, 2004

Synopsis

This innovative presentation of international relations provides introductory students with a foundation of knowledge to help them understand the broader historical context and the multiple perspectives that apply to this field. The first chapter surveys the development of international relations, focusing on the emergence and evolution of the modern state. The second chapter introduces major perspectives, both classic and new, that influence thinking about the issues. Each of the following 11 topical chapters explores an enduring and important argument in the field.A four-part structure in each chapter assists students in systematic, critical thinking regarding international affairs. Every chapter begins with a historical overview of the issue at hand, including its origins, evolution, and current status. The author leads students in a lively debate--plotting, discussing, and evaluating the different points of view--then offers a scholarly and political assessment of the situation. This distillation of the discussion reflects meaningful distinctions among political positions and helps students to cultivate an appreciation for the nature and structure of the argument.

About this title

About the Author:

Keith L. Shimko, Ph.D., is associate professor of political science at Purdue University. He has taught Introduction to International Relations since 1990 and has won several school and university-wide teaching awards. Dr. Shimko is the author of IMAGES AND ARMS CONTROL: PERCEPTIONS OF THE SOVIET UNION IN THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION (Michigan, 1991), which was named a CHOICE outstanding academic book and received the Lynne-Reinner/Quincy Wright Award, as well as THE IRAQ WARS AND AMERICA'S MILITARY REVOUTION (Cambridge, 2010). He received his B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College and his Ph.D. from Indiana University.

Review:

Note: Each chapter includes a Chapter Summary, Key Terms, and Further Readings. I. History and Perspectives 1. Change and Continuity in International History Change and Continuity The Emergence of the Modern State System The Age of Absolutism and Limited War (1648-1789) The Age of Revolutions (1789-1914) The Age of Total War (1914-1945) The Cold War (1945-1989) The Post-Cold War World 2. Contending Perspectives on International Politics Many Questions, Even More Answers Realism Liberalism, Idealism, and Liberal Internationalism Marxism Feminism Constructivism Perspectives and Levels of Analysis Conclusion II. Controversies 3. War and "Human Nature" Aggression, Instincts, and War Culture, Social Learning, and War Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions War and Human Nature on the Web 4. War and Democracy The Sources of Democratic Peacefulness Are Democracies Really Any Different? Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions War and Democracy on the Web 5. Power Politics There Is No Alternative to Power Politics Alternatives to Power Politics Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions Power Politics on the Web 6. Free Trade The Liberal International Economic Order The Case for Free Trade What's Wrong with Free Trade Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions Free Trade on the Web 7. The IMF, Global Inequality, and Development From Decolonization to Structural Adjustment The IMF and Neoliberalism Neoliberalism as Neoimperialism Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions The IMF, Global Inequality, and Development on the Web 8. Globalization and Sovereignty What is at stake The Vision of a Borderless World The Myth(s) of Globalization Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions Globalization on the Web 9. International Law What Is International Law and Where Does It Come From? The Weakness of International Law The Enduring Value of International Law Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions International Law on the Web 10. The United Nations and Humanitarian Intervention Sovereignty, Human Rights, and the United Nations The United Nations Should Intervene to Protect Human Rights The Case Against Humanitarian Intervention Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions Humanitarian Intervention on the Web 11. Nuclear Proliferation The Reality of Proliferation and Nonproliferation The Case for Limited Proliferation The Case for Widespread Proliferation The Case Against Nuclear Proliferation Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions Nuclear Proliferation on the Web 12. International Terrorism Terrorism: The Definitional Angst The Cosmopolitan Response The Statist Response Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions Terrorism on the Web 13. The Global Commons Too Many People, Too Few Resources A World of Plenty Conclusion Points of View Critical Questions The Global Commons on the Web

About this edition

• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0618215484
• ISBN 13: 9780618215485
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384