International Relations: The Basics

Peter Sutch is currently head of the Politics Department and Senior Lecturer in Political Thought and International Relations at Cardiff University. His current research is on international law and international justice. Juanita Elias is Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Her research interests include gender perspectives in international political economy, the politics of corporate social responsibility and the political economy of Malaysia and South East Asia.

Here’s a student’s trusted companion for the introductory course. IR: The Basics lays out in accessible and inviting fashion key concepts, methods, values and choices that face each newcomer to this vital field of enquiry. – Jan Aart Scholte, University of Warwick, UKThe authors of this book have adeptly infused empirical evidence with conceptual clarity. It is subtly perceptive in its judgments, and provides an invaluable introduction to the understanding of international relations. – David Boucher, Professor of Political Theory, Cardiff University, and Adjunct Professor of International Relations, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia

• Introduction Part 1: Conflict, Competition and Compromise: Basic Elements of International Relations 1. Anarchy and the Origin of IR 2. Thinking about Self-Interest 3. Mitigating Anarchy: Building World Politics 4. Thinking about World Politics 5. Criticizing World Politics. Review and Conclusions to Part 1 Part 2: Globalization and Interdependence: Shared Problems Need Shared Solutions 6. The Progress of World Politics 7. Thinking about Globalization 8. Threats to Interdependence. Review and Conclusions to Part 2