Sebastian Schindler - Böcker

Are theoretical tools nothing but political weapons? How can the two be distinguished from each other? What is the ideological role of theories like liberalism, neoliberalism or democratic theory? And how can we study the theories of actors from outside the academic world? This book examines these and related questions at the nexus of theory and ideology in International Relations.The current crisis of politics made it abundantly clear that theory is not merely an impartial and neutral academic tool, but instead is implicated in political struggles. However, it is also clear that it is insufficient to view theory merely as a political weapon. This book brings together contributions from a number of different scholarly perspectives to engage with these problems. The contributors, drawn from various fields of International Relations and Political Science, cast new light on the ever-problematic relationship between theory and ideology. They analyse the ideological underpinnings of existing academic theories and examine the theories of non-academic actors such as staff members of international organisations, Ecovillagers and liberal politicians.This edited volume is a must-read for all those interested in the contemporary political crisis and its relation to theories of International Relations.

Are theoretical tools nothing but political weapons? How can the two be distinguished from each other? What is the ideological role of theories like liberalism, neoliberalism or democratic theory? And how can we study the theories of actors from outside the academic world? This book examines these and related questions at the nexus of theory and ideology in International Relations.The current crisis of politics made it abundantly clear that theory is not merely an impartial and neutral academic tool, but instead is implicated in political struggles. However, it is also clear that it is insufficient to view theory merely as a political weapon. This book brings together contributions from a number of different scholarly perspectives to engage with these problems. The contributors, drawn from various fields of International Relations and Political Science, cast new light on the ever-problematic relationship between theory and ideology. They analyse the ideological underpinnings of existing academic theories and examine the theories of non-academic actors such as staff members of international organisations, Ecovillagers and liberal politicians.This edited volume is a must-read for all those interested in the contemporary political crisis and its relation to theories of International Relations.

This Encyclopedia provides a comprehensive account of the theoretical and practical development of international relations. Experts in the field examine the intellectual and political relevance of core concepts, from liberalism and constructivism to war and conspiracy.Each entry explores the meaning and historical role of a key concept within international relations, outlining the debates that shape the field. The Encyclopedia demonstrates the wide-ranging, diverse and interdisciplinary nature of international relations, highlighting both the foundations of the field and the cutting-edge ideas shaping it today. It serves as an excellent entry point for further research, with a mix of brief summative entries providing a concise introduction to the topic alongside longer entries covering the most complex concepts in the field.Key Features:179 accessible entriesSuggests further reading for each conceptProvides a carefully selected list of entries, reflecting the development and present nature of the fieldCovers important topics including arms, diplomacy, international organisations, security, and sovereigntyThe Elgar Encyclopedia of International Relations is an indispensable resource for students and scholars of international politics, economics and law. It is also a valuable read for international policy professionals seeking insight into the dynamics of the field.

This volume’s focus on establishing a direct exchange between History and International Relations is unique in the contemporary literature on international institutions.