International relations emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the early twentieth century, but its philosophic foundations draw on centuries of thinking about human nature, power and authority, justice and injustice, and their implications for relations within and between political communities.

In this fully revised and updated third edition of her popular text, Stephanie Lawson retains a broad historical and contextual approach in introducing readers to the central themes and theoretical perspectives in IR, while also addressing key issues and challenges in the contemporary period. These include the emergence of states and empires, theories ranging from classical realism and liberalism to postcolonial and green theory, twentieth-century international history, security and insecurity, global governance and world order, international political economy, globalization, the future of the sovereign state and the prospects for a post-international world.

Written in an accessible narrative style, this book is an ideal primer for students at undergraduate level and beyond, including those undertaking postgraduate study in IR with little or no previous academic training in the field.

ÍNDICE:
Contents
Preface
1.Introducing International Relations
2.States in World History
3.Theorizing International Relations
4.International Relations in the Twentieth Century
5.Security and Insecurity in the Contemporary World
6.Global Governance and World Order
7.International Political Economy
8.International Relations in a Globalizing World
9.Conclusion: A Post-International World?