Neal G. Jesse – författare

As ethnic groups clash, the international community faces the challenge of understanding the multiple causes of violence and formulating solutions that will bring about peace. Allowing for greater insight, Jesse and Williams bridge two sub-fields of political science in Ethnic Conflict—international relations and comparative politics. They systematically apply a “levels of analysis” framework, looking at the individual, domestic, and international contexts to better explore and understand its complexity. Five case study chapters apply the book’s framework to disputes around the world and include coverage of Bosnia, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Sudan. Never losing sight of their analytical framework, the authors provide richly detailed case studies that help students understand both the unique and shared causes of each conflict.

Students will appreciate the book’s logical presentation and excellent pedagogical features including detailed maps that show political, demographic, and cultural data.

A new framework for analyzing global power dynamics and the neglected role of small states

In the decades since the Cold War, international relations scholarship has predominantly examined global power dynamics through the lens of great powers—namely, the United States—and rising powers such as China. This narrow focus overlooks small states, which are a critical component of the international system. As global power structures rapidly evolve and traditional alliances become increasingly fluid, understanding how small states strategically position themselves is crucial.

Small States in a Shifting International Order provides a fresh examination of how these states navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. Drawing on case studies of diverse small countries—the Baltic states, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ghana, Jordan, Nepal, and Sweden—the book''s international group of contributors reveals the sophisticated foreign policy strategies that enable these states to pursue their security interests amid significant power asymmetries and the shifting international order. By demonstrating how these small states are not merely passive actors but also active architects of their strategic environments, this volume provides a groundbreaking framework for analyzing international relations in an era of unprecedented complexity and interconnectedness.

Scholars and advanced students of international relations will find this book to be an invaluable resource that transforms our understanding of global politics.