Routledge Fundamental Principles of International Relations

This book distills the essential elements of world politics, both the enduring characteristics as well as the revolutionary changes that may be altering the very fabric of the centuries-old state system. Author J. Martin Rochester explores all the important topics that one would expect to find in an IR text (war, diplomacy, foreign policy, international law and organization, the international economy, and more) but injects fresh perspectives on how globalization and other contemporary trends are affecting these issues. In addition, the author does so through a highly engaging, lively writing style that will appeal to today's students. Fundamental Principles of International Relations is a tightly woven treatment of international politics past and present, drawing on the latest academic scholarship while avoiding excessive jargon and utilizing pedagogical aids while avoiding clutter. Rochester ultimately challenges the reader to think critically about the future of a post-Cold War and post-9/11 world that is arguably more complex, if not more dangerous, than some previous eras, with the potential for promise as well as peril. Review "This is an extremely intelligent and well-written text. It brings the foremost issues and complexities of international relations to life for students with engaging prose and critical thinking exercises. I cannot think of a more erudite, accessible short text for international relations courses." -- Jeffrey Pickering, Professor and Department Head, Kansas State University "J. Martin Rochester has applied his well-honed facility for writing about complex subjects in a lucid, pithy, and concise way to this new compact IR text. The result is an excellent book that should be a strong competitor in a crowded market. Geared to active learning approaches, each chapter includes an 'IR Critical Thinking Box' that will engage students' interest by providing good food for discussion, debate, and writing assignments." -- Margaret P. Karns, University of Dayton This is an extremely intelligent and well-written text. It brings the foremost issues and complexities of international relations to life for students with engaging prose and critical thinking exercises. I cannot think of a more erudite, accessible short text for international relations courses. Jeffrey Pickering, Professor and Department Head, Kansas State University J. Martin Rochester has applied his well-honed facility for writing about complex subjects in a lucid, pithy, and concise way to this new compact IR text. The result is an excellent book that should be a strong competitor in a crowded market. Geared to active learning approaches, each chapter includes an IR Critical Thinking Box' that will engage students' interest by providing good food for discussion, debate, and writing assignments. Margaret P. Karns, University of Dayton" About the Author J Martin Rochester