The State and International Relations (Themes in International Relations)
Cambridge University Press, 4/27/2000
EAN 9780521643542, ISBN10: 0521643546
Hardcover, 268 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm
Language: English
This book, first published in 2000, provides students with an overview of the main theories of the state found in International Relations. Many International Relation scholars are proclaiming the state to be 'dead', while others lament the lack of an adequate theory of the state in International Relations. John Hobson seeks to resolve this confusion by introducing readers to state theory, arguing that existing theories of the state are limited, and proposing a framework based around the 'agent-structure' debate. The book surveys realist, liberal, Marxist, constructivist and neo-Weberian approaches to the state, and places each perspective's view of the state in relation to its theory of International Relations as a whole. It offers readers a unique introduction to state theory in International Relations, and will be of interest to students and scholars of sociology and politics, as well as International Relations.
1. What's at stake in the second state debate? Concepts and issues
Part I. Traditional Theories of the State and International Relations
2. Realism
3. Liberalism
Part II. Recent Sociological Theories of the State and International Relations
4. Marxism
5. Constructivism
6. Weberian historical sociology
Part III. Conclusion
Proposing a 'Structurationist' Theory of the Constitutive State and Global Politics
7. Summarising the 'second state debate'
turning IR theory upside-down.
‘I would recommend The State and International Relations to any student or scholar who is interested in the theoretical foundations of the field.’ Will Hunt, Institute of Social Studies