Patrick James – författare
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69 produkter
69 produkter
Inbunden, Engelska, 2022
648 kr
Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar
Realism is one of the core theories within the field of international relations, and it generally posits a state system characterized by anarchy where states act in what they perceive to be their own self interests. It is a controversial theory, and it has many opponents. Yet effective debate among realists and those who identify with other schools of thought has diminished dramatically over time. As Patrick James argues in Realism and International Relations, scholars in the field have become dissatisfied with results from exchanges in words alone. He contends that translation of the vast amount of information in the field into knowledge requires a greater emphasis on communication beyond the use of text. Given the challenges posed by existing and intensifying information overload, he develops a new model that relies on the graphic representation of analytical arguments.As James explains, realist scholarship in the post-World War II era is the natural domain for the application of systemism, a graphic form of expression with straightforward rules for portrayal of analytical arguments, notably cause and effect within theories. Systemism goes beyond prior iterations of systems theory to offer a visualization technique borrowed and adapted from the philosophy of science. Systemist graphics reveal the shortcomings, contributions and potential of realism. These visualizations, which focus on realist theories about war, are intended to bring order out of what critics tend to describe, with some justification, as chaos. In sum, a graphic turn for realism in particular and international relations in general is essential in order to achieve the scientific progress that otherwise is likely to remain elusive. A major theoretical work by an eminent scholar, this will be of interest to all theorists focusing how the international system of states actually functions.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 2022475 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
Realism is one of the core theories within the field of international relations, and it generally posits a state system characterized by anarchy where states act in what they perceive to be their own self interests. It is a controversial theory, and it has many opponents. Yet effective debate among realists and those who identify with other schools of thought has diminished dramatically over time. As Patrick James argues in Realism and International Relations, scholars in the field have become dissatisfied with results from exchanges in words alone. He contends that translation of the vast amount of information in the field into knowledge requires a greater emphasis on communication beyond the use of text. Given the challenges posed by existing and intensifying information overload, he develops a new model that relies on the graphic representation of analytical arguments.As James explains, realist scholarship in the post-World War II era is the natural domain for the application of systemism, a graphic form of expression with straightforward rules for portrayal of analytical arguments, notably cause and effect within theories. Systemism goes beyond prior iterations of systems theory to offer a visualization technique borrowed and adapted from the philosophy of science. Systemist graphics reveal the shortcomings, contributions and potential of realism. These visualizations, which focus on realist theories about war, are intended to bring order out of what critics tend to describe, with some justification, as chaos. In sum, a graphic turn for realism in particular and international relations in general is essential in order to achieve the scientific progress that otherwise is likely to remain elusive. A major theoretical work by an eminent scholar, this will be of interest to all theorists focusing how the international system of states actually functions.
E-bok
Engelska, 2022475 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
Realism is one of the core theories within the field of international relations, and it generally posits a state system characterized by anarchy where states act in what they perceive to be their own self interests. It is a controversial theory, and it has many opponents. Yet effective debate among realists and those who identify with other schools of thought has diminished dramatically over time. As Patrick James argues in Realism and International Relations, scholars in the field have become dissatisfied with results from exchanges in words alone. He contends that translation of the vast amount of information in the field into knowledge requires a greater emphasis on communication beyond the use of text. Given the challenges posed by existing and intensifying information overload, he develops a new model that relies on the graphic representation of analytical arguments.As James explains, realist scholarship in the post-World War II era is the natural domain for the application of systemism, a graphic form of expression with straightforward rules for portrayal of analytical arguments, notably cause and effect within theories. Systemism goes beyond prior iterations of systems theory to offer a visualization technique borrowed and adapted from the philosophy of science. Systemist graphics reveal the shortcomings, contributions and potential of realism. These visualizations, which focus on realist theories about war, are intended to bring order out of what critics tend to describe, with some justification, as chaos. In sum, a graphic turn for realism in particular and international relations in general is essential in order to achieve the scientific progress that otherwise is likely to remain elusive. A major theoretical work by an eminent scholar, this will be of interest to all theorists focusing how the international system of states actually functions.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2001
910 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
James and Goetze bring together contributors of varied backgrounds, ranging from evolutionary theorists to game theorists to analysts of specific ethnic conflict. Their work represents a coherent attempt at evaluating the usefulness of evolutionary theories for explaining ethnic phenomena and demonstrates how these theories can be applied in attempts to elucidate real-world behaviors.This study found that kinship theory that posits evolved dispositions to form cooperative bonds with family, ethnic groups and other social groups may go a long way in accounting for the formation of ethnic groups. Also, ingroup-outgroup theory may contribute to understanding how group conflict commences. Likewise, the description of evolved mechanisms for discerning threat, for building reputations, and for recognizing individuals, groups, and states as possible cooperators and long-term allies may facilitate explanation of the outbreak and avoidance of group conflicts. This also may explain the design of conscious strategies for conflict prevention and resolution. Nonetheless, several contributors take a more critical stance and offer ample reason why building these explanations may prove elusive or at least troublesome given the complex character of human societies. This work is a provocative resource for scholars, students, and other researchers involved with ethnicity and ethnic conflict, international relations, social psychology, and social anthropology.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 2001949 kr
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James and Goetze bring together contributors of varied backgrounds, ranging from evolutionary theorists to game theorists to analysts of specific ethnic conflict. Their work represents a coherent attempt at evaluating the usefulness of evolutionary theories for explaining ethnic phenomena and demonstrates how these theories can be applied in attempts to elucidate real-world behaviors.This study found that kinship theory that posits evolved dispositions to form cooperative bonds with family, ethnic groups and other social groups may go a long way in accounting for the formation of ethnic groups. Also, ingroup-outgroup theory may contribute to understanding how group conflict commences. Likewise, the description of evolved mechanisms for discerning threat, for building reputations, and for recognizing individuals, groups, and states as possible cooperators and long-term allies may facilitate explanation of the outbreak and avoidance of group conflicts. This also may explain the design of conscious strategies for conflict prevention and resolution. Nonetheless, several contributors take a more critical stance and offer ample reason why building these explanations may prove elusive or at least troublesome given the complex character of human societies. This work is a provocative resource for scholars, students, and other researchers involved with ethnicity and ethnic conflict, international relations, social psychology, and social anthropology.
Häftad, Engelska, 2020
766 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This edited volume offers a systematic evaluation of how knowledge is produced by scholarly research into International Relations. The contributors explore three key questions: To what extent is scientific progress and accumulation of knowledge possible? What are the different accounts of how this process takes place? And what are the dominant critiques of these understandings? It is the first publication to survey the full range of perspectives available for evaluating scientific progress as well as dominant critiques of scientism.In its second part, the volume applies this range of perspectives to the research program on the democratic peace. It shows what we gain by accommodating and enabling dialogue among the full range of epistemological approaches. The contributors elaborate and defend the epistemological position of sociable pluralism as one that seeks to build bridges between soft positivism, critical theory, and critical realism. The underlying idea is that if the differences between the various approaches used by different communities of researchers can be understood more clearly, this will facilitate meaningful cross-cutting communication, dialogue, and debate and thereby enable us to address real-world problems more effectively.This timely and original work will be of great interest to advanced-level students and scholars dealing with philosophy of science and methodological questions in International Relations.
E-bok
Engelska, 2012361 kr
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Based on their successful undergraduate course at the University of Southern California, Abigail E. Ruane and Patrick James provide an introduction to International Relations using J. R. R. Tolkien''s fantastically popular trilogy The Lord of the Rings. Because Tolkien''s major themes---such as good versus evil and human agency versus determinism---are perennially relevant to International Relations, The Lord of the Rings is well suited for application to the study of politics in our own world. This innovative combination of social science and humanities approaches to illustrate key concepts engages students and stimulates critical thinking in new and exciting ways.
Häftad, Engelska, 2018
434 kr
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In international relations (IR), the theory of constructivism argues that the complicated web of international relations is not the result of basic human nature or some other unchangeable aspect but has been built up over time and through shared assumptions.Constructivism Reconsidered synthesizes the nature of and debates on constructivism in international relations, providing a systematic assessment of the constructivist research program in IR to answer specific questions: What extent of (dis)agreement exists with regard to the meaning of constructivism? To what extent is constructivism successful as an alternative approach to rationalism in explaining and understanding international affairs? Constructivism Reconsidered explores constructivism’s theoretical, empirical, and methodological strengths and weaknesses, and debates what these say about its past, present, and future to reach a better understanding of IR in general and how constructivism informs IR in particular.
Häftad, Engelska, 2012
272 kr
Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar
Based on their successful undergraduate course at the University of Southern California, Abigail E. Ruane and Patrick James provide an introduction to International Relations using J. R. R. Tolkien's fantastically popular trilogy The Lord of the Rings. Because Tolkien's major themes---such as good versus evil and human agency versus determinism---are perennially relevant to International Relations, The Lord of the Rings is well suited for application to the study of politics in our own world. This innovative combination of social science and humanities approaches to illustrate key concepts engages students and stimulates critical thinking in new and exciting ways.
Häftad, Engelska, 2026
718 kr
Kommande
Perhaps more than ever, we need to invest in the study of the causes and consequences of crises. Since its founding in 1975, the International Crisis Behavior (ICB) Project has aimed to better equip academics, policymakers, and the next generation of engaged citizens to make sense of why crises arise and how they can be more effectively managed and prevented. The ICB Project’s data holdings consist of full-length qualitative case studies, along with an expanding range of quantitative datasets that include information regarding the characteristics of the states in crisis, crisis behavior, attempts at third-party crisis management, the role of nonstate actors, and the system-level context.A Century of International Crisis Behavior summarizes the evolving patterns of international crisis behavior in the more than 500 cases cataloged since 1918, provides an accounting of the state of the scholarship to make sense of the patterns, and presents new findings that advance our understanding. Chapters are grouped according to their level of analysis: studies of systems, dyads, and states. The authors highlight what we have learned and what we have yet to learn regarding the prevention, escalation, and de-escalation of international crises.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2026
2 505 kr
Kommande
Perhaps more than ever, we need to invest in the study of the causes and consequences of crises. Since its founding in 1975, the International Crisis Behavior (ICB) Project has aimed to better equip academics, policymakers, and the next generation of engaged citizens to make sense of why crises arise and how they can be more effectively managed and prevented. The ICB Project’s data holdings consist of full-length qualitative case studies, along with an expanding range of quantitative datasets that include information regarding the characteristics of the states in crisis, crisis behavior, attempts at third-party crisis management, the role of nonstate actors, and the system-level context.A Century of International Crisis Behavior summarizes the evolving patterns of international crisis behavior in the more than 500 cases cataloged since 1918, provides an accounting of the state of the scholarship to make sense of the patterns, and presents new findings that advance our understanding. Chapters are grouped according to their level of analysis: studies of systems, dyads, and states. The authors highlight what we have learned and what we have yet to learn regarding the prevention, escalation, and de-escalation of international crises.
E-bok
Engelska, 2018574 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
In international relations (IR), the theory of constructivism argues that the complicated web of international relations is not the result of basic human nature or some other unchangeable aspect but has been built up over time and through shared assumptions. Constructivism Reconsidered synthesizes the nature of and debates on constructivism in international relations, providing a systematic assessment of the constructivist research program in IR to answer specific questions: What extent of (dis)agreement exists with regard to the meaning of constructivism? To what extent is constructivism successful as an alternative approach to rationalism in explaining and understanding international affairs? Constructivism Reconsidered explores constructivism’s theoretical, empirical, and methodological strengths and weaknesses, and debates what these say about its past, present, and future to reach a better understanding of IR in general and how constructivism informs IR in particular.
Inbunden, Engelska, 1994
1 070 kr
Skickas inom 7-10 vardagar
Rational choice approaches to the study of politics are of great and growing prominence in political science. There are an increasing number of collections devoted to the methods of rational choice theory and specialised monographs applying it to individual topics. The present volume is a collection of substantive applications of rational choice theory in three of the main fields of political inquiry: comparative politics, international relations and political theory. The essays gathered here represent work by many of the most outstanding scholars in the discipline, showing how rational choice theory may be employed in the analysis of fundamental political questions.
Häftad, Engelska, 1994
406 kr
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Rational choice approaches to the study of politics are of great and growing prominence in political science. There are an increasing number of collections devoted to the methods of rational choice theory and specialised monographs applying it to individual topics. The present volume is a collection of substantive applications of rational choice theory in three of the main fields of political inquiry: comparative politics, international relations and political theory. The essays gathered here represent work by many of the most outstanding scholars in the discipline, showing how rational choice theory may be employed in the analysis of fundamental political questions.
Häftad, Engelska, 2006
910 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Handbook of Canadian Foreign Policy is the most comprehensive book of its kind, offering an updated examination of Canada's international role some 15 years after the dismantling of the Berlin Wall ushered in a new era in world politics. Tackling recent developments in Canadian foreign policy, the authors of this work spotlight Canadian idiosyncrasies within a global context that are defined by wrenching juxtapositions. The specialists who have contributed their expertise to this book provide sophisticated analysis-conceptual as well as historical-rather than simply impressionistic judgments about contemporary events. Highlighting both well-known and understudied topics, this handbook presents a marriage of the familiar and the underappreciated that enables readers to grasp much of the complexity of current Canadian foreign policy and appreciate the challenges policymakers must meet in the early 21st century.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 19881 041 kr
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His analysis suggests that certain explanations have not been sufficiently considered in previous works. For example, prior domestic strife can be linked to the escalation of foreign conflict in an impressive number of cases, a discovery which runs counter to the consensus which has emerged over the last two decades among political scientists. Prior research on causes of war has often lacked rigour. James has tried to remedy this through a long-term, comparative approach to the subject matter. While Crisis and War follows the tradition of aggregate research, statistical analysis is always connected to particular events through discussions of situations and leaders in both diplomatic history and contemporary world politics. James'' comprehensive and original approach to past theories both clarifies and critiques them.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 20021 041 kr
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At its core this myth embodies the Trudeauian ideal of Canadian society - one that features a constitution that empowers impartial judges at the expense of politically motivated legislators; one that allows each individual to enjoy a uniform range of rights, freedoms, and means of belonging to the larger Canadian society; and one that seeks to ensure the primacy of the national government rather than the provincial. Trudeau called his vision the Just Society. But justice is an illusive and amorphous concept. Defining it, much less institutionalizing it, is fraught with risk. In modern liberal democracies, justice is typically understood as the product of some mix of liberty and equality, process and substance, with the amount of each component varying according to taste. It is not unusual for political actors to seek to institutionalize their own formulas for justice, but it is also not reasonable to expect these formulas to go unchallenged. Such a challenge represents the dominant theme of this volume. Contributors include Donald E. Abelson, Tom Flanagan (University of Calgary), Patrick James, James B. Kelly (Brock University), Michael Lusztig, Christopher P. Manfredi (McGill University), Hudson Meadwell (McGill University), Anthony A. Peacock (Utah State University), Mark Rush (Washington and Lee University), and Shannon I. Smithey (Kent State University).
Inbunden, Engelska, 2010
1 065 kr
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The Charter of Rights and Freedoms was introduced in 1982. Since then, Canada has experienced more than twenty-five years of constitutional politics and countless debates about whether the Canadian federation is integrating or disintegrating. There has, however, been no systematic attempt to identify general theories about Canada's constitutional evolution. Patrick James corrects this oversight by using systemism, a concept drawn from the philosophy of science, to identify and assess five theories that fall into the liberal or communitarian paradigms. These theories are examined in the context of major issues such as the role of the courts or the status of Aboriginal peoples, and debates among advocates and critics of each theory are used to work toward a greater understanding of constitutional wrangling in Canada. By adding clarity to familiar debates, this succinct assessment of major writings on constitutional politics sharpens our vision of the past – and the future – of the Canadian federation.
Häftad, Engelska, 2011
372 kr
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The Charter of Rights and Freedoms was introduced in 1982. Since then, Canada has experienced more than twenty-five years of constitutional politics and countless debates about whether the Canadian federation is integrating or disintegrating. There has, however, been no systematic attempt to identify general theories about Canada's constitutional evolution. Patrick James corrects this oversight by using systemism, a concept drawn from the philosophy of science, to identify and assess five theories that fall into the liberal or communitarian paradigms. These theories are examined in the context of major issues such as the role of the courts or the status of Aboriginal peoples, and debates among advocates and critics of each theory are used to work toward a greater understanding of constitutional wrangling in Canada. By adding clarity to familiar debates, this succinct assessment of major writings on constitutional politics sharpens our vision of the past – and the future – of the Canadian federation.
Häftad, Engelska, 2014
380 kr
Skickas inom 11-20 vardagar
The events of 9/11 turned North American politics upside down. US policy makers focused less on how they could better integrate the economies of Mexico, Canada, and the United States and more on security and sovereignty.Security experts tend to view the events that followed within a bilateral framework. Game Changer broadens the canvas examining how America's desire to keep its two borders closed to threats but open to trade has influenced Canada and Mexico. The contributors draw on international relations theory to examine and explain not only how post-911 security policy has transformed relations between the three countries but also how policy makers can reconcile the need for greater regional cooperation in the security realm with national autonomy in other areas of life.By adopting a truly North American, or trilateral, framework, this challenging and authoritative volume suggests new approaches to security in the post-9/11 world.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2009
773 kr
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This volume draws on the work of international scholars from diverse perspectives to provide a timely, focused debate on the future of realist theory in international relations. Part I presents novel contributions to realist theory building, including suggested elaborations of Mearsheimer's offensive realist variant, a reconsideration of the role of revisionism in structural realist theory, a bridge to the English School of international relations, and a critique of trends in realist theorizing since the end of the Cold War. In part II, structural and neoclassical realists provide empirical analyses of foreign policy behavior, the role of geopolitics, and the grand strategies of major powers. The chapters in part III assess the viability of the ways forward for realism from realist, critical, and feminist perspectives. This tightly integrated intellectual exchange presents a transnational overview of the evolution and potential future of the realist paradigm. The volume editors conclude with an assessment of the current state of realism and suggest ways for the debate to progress.
Häftad, Engelska, 2002
584 kr
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Häftad, Engelska, 2021
495 kr
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Häftad, Engelska, 1997
751 kr
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Violent conflicts rooted in ethnicity have erupted all over the world. Since the Cold War ended and a new world order has failed to emerge, political leaders in countries long repressed by authoritarianism, such as Yugoslavia, have found it easy to mobilize populations with the ethnic rallying cry. Thus, the worldwide shift to democratization has often resulted in something quite different from effective pluralism. This volume of essays assembles a diverse array of approaches to the problems of ethnic conflict, with researchers and scholars using pure theory, comparative case studies, and aggregate data analysis to approach the complex questions facing today\u2019s leaders. How do we keep communal conflicts from deteriorating into sustained violence? What models can we follow to promote peaceful secession? What effect does--or should--ethnic conflict have on foreign policy?
Inbunden, Engelska, 2025
2 102 kr
Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar
This topical textbook outlines conflict, crisis, and war as central challenges in the international security arena, exploring their history, evolution, nature, dynamics, and trends. Patrick James and James M. Scott discuss the major approaches to analysing conflict, crisis, and war and identify the key avenues for managing them.Engaging with major scholarly work, the textbook combines scientific realism, analytic eclecticism, and the multilevel and graphic approach of systemism to establish the meaning and importance of theory and linkages across levels of analysis. Reflecting on policy and practice, James and Scott explore system, state and individual level explanations of conflict, crisis, and war, and review the nature and effectiveness of key approaches to their management and prevention. They ultimately advocate for an integrated approach that addresses and connects multiple levels of analysis for a more thorough and nuanced understanding.Key Features:Applies an innovative approach with unique visual toolsEncourages comprehension of major concepts, theories, and practices and critical thinkingIncludes core feature boxes which present real-world applications to illustrate a concept and reflect on a point of explanation in greater depthTheoretically informed and conceptually innovative, this textbook is vital to students and scholars of international politics, international relations, and terrorism and security.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 2025623 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
This topical textbook outlines conflict, crisis, and war as central challenges in the international security arena, exploring their history, evolution, nature, dynamics, and trends. Patrick James and James M. Scott discuss the major approaches to analysing conflict, crisis, and war and identify the key avenues for managing them.
Engaging with major scholarly work, the textbook combines scientific realism, analytic eclecticism, and the multilevel and graphic approach of systemism to establish the meaning and importance of theory and linkages across levels of analysis. Reflecting on policy and practice, James and Scott explore system, state and individual level explanations of conflict, crisis, and war, and review the nature and effectiveness of key approaches to their management and prevention. They ultimately advocate for an integrated approach that addresses and connects multiple levels of analysis for a more thorough and nuanced understanding.
Key Features:
Applies an innovative approach with unique visual toolsEncourages comprehension of major concepts, theories, and practices and critical thinking Includes core feature boxes which present real-world applications to illustrate a concept and reflect on a point of explanation in greater depthTheoretically informed and conceptually innovative, this textbook is vital to students and scholars of international politics, international relations, and terrorism and security.
Häftad, Engelska, 2025
656 kr
Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar
This topical textbook outlines conflict, crisis, and war as central challenges in the international security arena, exploring their history, evolution, nature, dynamics, and trends. Patrick James and James M. Scott discuss the major approaches to analysing conflict, crisis, and war and identify the key avenues for managing them.Engaging with major scholarly work, the textbook combines scientific realism, analytic eclecticism, and the multilevel and graphic approach of systemism to establish the meaning and importance of theory and linkages across levels of analysis. Reflecting on policy and practice, James and Scott explore system, state and individual level explanations of conflict, crisis, and war, and review the nature and effectiveness of key approaches to their management and prevention. They ultimately advocate for an integrated approach that addresses and connects multiple levels of analysis for a more thorough and nuanced understanding.Key Features:Applies an innovative approach with unique visual toolsEncourages comprehension of major concepts, theories, and practices and critical thinkingIncludes core feature boxes which present real-world applications to illustrate a concept and reflect on a point of explanation in greater depthTheoretically informed and conceptually innovative, this textbook is vital to students and scholars of international politics, international relations, and terrorism and security.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 2025824 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
This book analyses the near crisis phase of conflict and escalation in world politics.
Time-sensitive disputes between states, and even with violent non-state actors, do not involve significant risk of military escalation, at least in the moment. Investigating how and why some near crises escalate, while others do not, requires an explanation of the different dynamics of international disputes and the policy tools that states and international institutions can employ. This volume examines cases such as Hezbollah’s 2006 cross-border raid, the 2015 Iranian Ballistic Missile Test, and the 1995 Norwegian Black Brant Missile Launch to reveal there is much to be learned about the full process of (de)-escalation once the near crisis stage is included, as well as from cases that did not escalate to crisis. Overall, this volume contributes toward higher levels of understanding about how and why some international conflicts escalate while others do not.
This book will be of much interest to students of security studies, conflict studies, foreign policy and International Relations.
E-bok
Engelska, 2025824 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
This book analyses the near crisis phase of conflict and escalation in world politics.
Time-sensitive disputes between states, and even with violent non-state actors, do not involve significant risk of military escalation, at least in the moment. Investigating how and why some near crises escalate, while others do not, requires an explanation of the different dynamics of international disputes and the policy tools that states and international institutions can employ. This volume examines cases such as Hezbollah’s 2006 cross-border raid, the 2015 Iranian Ballistic Missile Test, and the 1995 Norwegian Black Brant Missile Launch to reveal there is much to be learned about the full process of (de)-escalation once the near crisis stage is included, as well as from cases that did not escalate to crisis. Overall, this volume contributes toward higher levels of understanding about how and why some international conflicts escalate while others do not.
This book will be of much interest to students of security studies, conflict studies, foreign policy and International Relations.
Häftad, Engelska, 2025
696 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This book introduces the near crisis phase of conflict and escalation.These time-sensitive disputes between states, and even with violent non-state actors, do not involve significant risk of military escalation, at least in the moment. Investigating how and why some near crises escalate, while others do not, requires an explanation of the different dynamics of international disputes and the policy tools that states and international institutions can employ. We ask an expanded set of questions about specific cases and general patterns of conflict behavior, such as: why did Israeli leaders respond to Hezbollah’s 2006 cross-border raid with escalation, resulting in the Second Lebanon War, while in previous instances the Israelis limited their retaliation? Why didn’t the 2015 Iranian Ballistic Missile Test or the 1995 Norwegian Black Brant Missile Launch escalate, while the 2009 North Korea Missile Movement and the 1995 Taiwan Straits dispute tipped into a full-blown crisis, and why did the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict escalate from near crisis to war? We use primary sources and newly created data on near crises to answer these questions and others. The overall conclusion is that an ounce of prevention at the near crisis phase is worth a pound of cure in averting a full-blown crisis or war.This book will be of great interest to students of security studies, conflict studies, foreign policy, and international relations.