The Realist Tradition in International Relations

Zellen (Naval Postgraduate School Center on Contemporary Conflict) has had an energetic passion for international relations theory for several decades, with a focus on Arctic security and circumpolar politics. Ambassador David T. Killion (US Amabassador to UNESCO) provides an introduction to this four-volume work, beginning with a reminiscence of his first course with Zellen at Wesleyan University in 1986, which included "a veritable who's who of realism from the classical era up to the 20th century...." The foreword by Joel M. Ostrow (political science, Benedictine U.) points out that this treatise, for many, is long awaited. Ostrow explains that Zellen "...offers unique insights into the entire concept of the nation-state." He continues, advising that reading this work "...is a massive journey...not for the faint of heart" and suggesting that students of international relations theory will be most interested in Zellen's development of constructive realism theory historically, philosophically, and politically. Zellen discusses the rise of the modern nation-state, explores (Ostrow's words) the "application and misapplication of the ideas [of constructive realism]," and "chronicles strategic thought during the age of total war" and reactions against the nation-state (as evidenced by the attacks of 9/11). The four volumes each have a focus and are titled as follows: v.1: State of Hope, v.2: State of Fear,, v.3: State of Awe, and v.4: State of Siege. Each volume is separately indexed. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Barry Scott Zellen is editor of the Strategic Insights Journal and theCulture and Conflict Review at the Naval Postgraduate School, where he also serves as research director of the Arctic Security Project.