Springer Revisiting Metaphors in International Relations Theory

This book presents an analysis of how metaphors are essential elements in the study of international relations. It acknowledges the fact that theory and practice in international relations often rest on common metaphorical concepts which have implications for the ways people around the world pursue their lives. Because of the increased attention metaphors have received as integral elements in political discourse, there is a need to investigate metaphorical concepts that are not neutral in their implications for understanding international relations. Inasmuch as government policy is shaped by metaphorical concepts that originate in the academic realm, and given that scholarly works are therefore partially involved in inspiring policy, the author subjects a range of metaphors in international relations theory to critical interrogation. Review “ Revisiting Metaphors in International Relations Theory is a very welcome and timely reminder of the importance of metaphors in International Relations in their historical/theoretical aspects. The book offers original insights into the field of metaphors by exploring the different metaphorical uses of language in IR on the basis of the author’s thorough analysis of the huge body of work by IR scholars. By analyzing the use of metaphors in various fields of IR, the author notices the ubiquity of metaphors in IR, carefully dissecting their many different uses. The work sheds light on a very intriguing topic which has a strong influence on people’s perception of the relationships between nations.”  (Massimiliano Demata, Department of Letters, Languages and Arts, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Italy) “Revisiting Metaphors in International Relations Theory is a solid piece of interdisciplinary work, combining research in international relations (IR) theory and (cognitive) linguistics (more closely, metaphor research).” (Piotr Twardzisz, Faculty of Applied Linguistics, University of Warsaw, Poland) From the Back Cover This book presents an analysis of how metaphors are essential elements in the study of international relations. It acknowledges the fact that theory and practice in international relations often rest on common metaphorical concepts which have implications for the ways people around the world pursue their lives. Because of the increased attention metaphors have received as integral elements in political discourse, there is a need to investigate metaphorical concepts that are not neutral in their implications for understanding international relations. Inasmuch as government policy is shaped by metaphorical concepts that originate in the academic realm, and given that scholarly works are therefore partially involved in inspiring policy, the author subjects a range of metaphors in international relations theory to critical interrogation. Michael P. Marks is Professor of Politics at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, US, and the author of a companion book  Metaphors in International Relations Theory (Palgrave Macmillan 2011). About the Author Michael P. Marks is Professor of Politics at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, US, and the author of a companion book Metaphors in International Relations Theory (Palgrave Macmillan 2011).