Product Description

The fourth edition of this well-established and popular text has been fully updated to take account of developments in the field of International Relations and recent world events. The authors provide systematic coverage of the classical concerns of International Relations theory – power, national interest, foreign policy and war – alongside analysis of the impact of globalization on security, governance and the world economy. A central concern throughout is to show how the theories the authors outline and assess can help make sense of the puzzle of current world events, from the rise of Russia and China, the downturn in the world economy and the changing role of America to the challenges of identity politics and human rights.

Clear and accessible, but also critical and penetrating, Understanding International Relations provides a uniquely readable and thought-provoking introduction to the theory and practice of international relations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41870 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review

Praise for the fourth edition:
 
'An excellent new edition which reinforces the book's place as my preferred text for students new to International Relations. Accessible and compelling without glossing over the complexity of the issues, the fourth edition has been impressively updated to take account of real-world and theoretical developments.' Anthony F. Lang, Jr, University of St Andrews.
 
Reviews of previous editions

'It is entirely characteristic that Chris Brown's text is unlike anybody else's; it is equally characteristic that it is written with a zest, a pace and a sense of fun that is sadly missing from much of the discipline as a whole. Students - and their teachers - will gain a great deal from it. They will also have a good time!' - N.J. Rengger, Political Studies

'[A] very appealing book... The text succeeds in giving a clear account of all the main theoretical possibilities and, in a non-judgemental but not uncritical way, setting them in context... I can think of no book more likely to succeed in persuading a sceptical undergraduate - someone convinced of the existence of a self-evident world of facts - that not only is a knowledge of theory necessary to understand international relations, but it is fun.' - James Mayall, Review of International Studies

About the Author
CHRIS BROWN is Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

KIRSTEN AINLEY is Lecturer in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

Customer Reviews

A "must have!" for students and teachers of Politics
I find Chris Brown's methodical approach to the much debated theory of International Relations most refreshing. His non-judgemental style gives a clear account of all the main theoretical possibilities of the discipline while at the same time restoring the fun that is sadly missing back to the subject. This text is essential reading for any student (postgraduate or undergraduate) of International Relations or Politics. Even teachers and politicians could learn something from this valuable text!.

brilliant book
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is thorough and packed with precise explanation, but also good-humoured and fluently written. Suitable for those (like myself) who are new to the subject but with sufficient depth that I'm sure I'll get more from it after reading other works and returning to it. Definitely worth buying, reading, keeping to read again... Recommended.

Made me want to read a lot more about the subject!!!!!
I bought this book in order to increase my understanding of the current affairs in international politics. And I can certainly say that it did!! This book increased my insight but most of all it inspired me to read much more about the subject. I think it's a great introduction and I found the 'further reading guide' at the end of the chapters very helpful in exploring this extremely interesting subject!!! If you buy this book you WILL be burdened with the need to read a lot more, truly inspiring!