Rethinking Realism in International Relations ─ Between Tradition and Innovation

Freyberg-Inan (political science, U. of Amsterdam, the Netherlands) et al. bring together 10 essays by a group of international relations and political science scholars from the US, Europe, Turkey, and New Zealand who debate the future of realist theory in international relations. They discuss the uses of theory, the relevant factors and actors in realist theorizing, the quality of different theoretical approaches, and the best way forward for contemporary realism. This includes discussion of the concept of the balance of power, the weaknesses of Mearsheimer's realist variant, the role of revisionism in structural realist theory, and trends since the end of the Cold War. Then, they offer analyses of specific instances of foreign policy behavior, the role of geopolitics, the grand strategies of major powers, and the viability of realism from a variety of perspectives. The book is meant for courses in international relations theory, realist thought, and international security or strategic and foreign policy studies. It originated in a workshop, "What Way Forward for Contemporary Realism?" held at the 2006 annual convention of the International Studies Association in San Diego. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Annette Freyberg-Inan is an associate professor of political science at the Amsterdam School for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, and the author of What Moves Man: The Realist Theory of International Relations and Its Judgment of Human Nature. Ewan Harrison is an assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at Washington University, St. Louis. He is the author of The Post Cold War International System: Strategies, Institutions, and Reflexivity and has published in Review of International Studies, International Studies Review, International Politics, International Affairs, and Journal of Peace Research. Patrick James is a professor with the School of International Relations at the University of Southern California, where he is also the director of the Center for International Studies. He is the author, coauthor, and coeditor of a number of books on international relations, including International Relations and Scientific Progress: Structural Realism Reconsidered and Who Intervenes? Ethnic Conflict and Interstate Crisis.