Smart Instead Of Small In International Relations Theory

Small States theory supports the argument that small international actors have a vital role in the international system. After 9/11, it emerged as a more focused attempt to show that 'small' can be 'attractive and functional' in an era of normative political and religious radicalism. This book argues that Small States Theory is not relevant to the perplexities of the post-multipolar international system and produces a new theory, the Smart States Theory. Based on structural and neoclassical realism, it attempts to identify the origins of 'state-smartness' in foreign policy, leadership, and domestic politics. The United Arab Emirates will be used as the case study of this novel theoretical approach. The impressive evolution of the Trucial States to a modern nation-state of high technology, dynamic foreign policy as the recent pandemic fully showed, unique leadership, and unparalleled tolerance towards other religions and cultures, make the UAE a brilliant example of a smart state of the 21st century. The reader of the book will be introduced to a new theory in International Relations as well as to the history, politics, society, and leadership of a state that plays a pivotal role not only in the Gulf region but in the broader framework of the Middle East too; the United Arab Emirates.

Smaller nations have a special place in the international system, with a striking capacity to defy the expectations of most observers and many prominent theories of international relations. This volume of classic essays highlights the ability of small states to counter power with superior commitment, to rely on tightly knit domestic institutions with a shared "ideology of social partnership," and to set agendas as "norm entrepreneurs." The volume is organized around themes such as how and why small states defy expectations of realist approaches to the study of power; the agenda-setting capacity of smaller powers in international society and in regional governance structures such as the European Union; and how small states and representatives from these societies play the role of norm entrepreneurs in world politics -- from the promotion of sustainable solutions to innovative humanitarian programs and policies..

The gap between academics and practitioners in international relations has widened in recent years, according to the authors of this book. Many international relations scholars no longer try to reach beyond the ivory tower and many policymakers disdain international relations scholarship as arcane and irrelevant. Joseph Lepgold and Miroslav Nincic demonstrate how good international relations theory can inform policy choices. Globalization, ethnic conflict, and ecological threats have created a new set of issues that challenge policymakers, and cutting-edge scholarship can contribute a great deal to the diagnosis and handling of potentially explosive situations.

This book introduces the editors’ new concept of “Awkward Powers”. By undertaking a critical re-examination of the state of International Relations theorising on the changing nature of the global power hierarchy, it draws attention to a number of countries that fit awkwardly into existing but outdated categories such as “great power” and “middle power”. It argues that conceptual categories pertaining to the apex of the international hierarchy have become increasingly unsatisfactory, and that new approaches focusing on such “Awkward Powers” can both rectify shortcomings on power theorising whilst shining a much-needed theoretical spotlight on significant but understudied states. The book’s contributors examine a broad range of empirical case studies, including both established and rising powers across a global scale to illustrate our conceptual claims. Through such a novel process, we argue that a better appreciation of the de facto international power hierarchy in the 21st century can be achieved.

Beginning with the premise that international relations must be approached from a multinational perspective, this text introduces students to the idea that transactions between nations are behavioral rather than structural. Building on this perceptual analysis approach, the text discusses how the political consciousness of key nations influences international events, public opinion, and policy choices.

Beginning with the premise that international relations must be approached from a multinational perspective, this text introduces students to the idea that transactions between nations are behavioral rather than structural. Building on this perceptual analysis approach, the text discusses how the political consciousness of key nations influences international events, public opinion, and policy choices.

?A great idea and a great teaching tool! This comprehensive account is beautifully executed, allowing us to ?see? a single case from a range of theoretical perspectives. It is an important demonstration that theoretical diversity illuminates rather than confuses.??Yale H. Ferguson, Rutgers University?This exciting collection skillfully demonstrates the value of constructing alternative explanations for key episodes in contemporary world politics.... Well conceived and well executed.??Fred H. Lawson, Mills College ?In this original work, the whole is clearly greater than the sum of its parts. Making Sense of IR Theory promotes a fresh pedagogical approach to IR?s entrenched theoretical pluralism. It makes eminent sense to put it on your shelf and on your reading list.??Yosef Lapid, New Mexico State UniversityWhat does it mean to adopt a realist, or a world systems, or a feminist approach to international relations? Does the plethora of ?isms??liberalism and constructivism and postmodernism, to name just a few?have any relevance to the real world of global politics and policymaking? Making Sense of International Relations Theory addresses these questions by illustrating theories in action.With the case of Kosovo as a common point of reference, each contributor presents a particular framework for interpreting world affairs. This structure offers students tangible examples of the use of varying theories, while illuminating the explanatory differences among them. Incorporating extensive introductory sections, the book is uniquely designed to explore alternative ways of understanding current events?to assist students in making sense of, as well as with, IR theory. Jennifer Sterling-Folker is associate professor of political science at the University of Connecticut. She is author of Theories of International Cooperation and the Primacy of Anarchy: Explaining U.S. International Monetary Policymaking After Bretton Woods.Contents: Making Sense of IR Theory?J. Sterling-Folker. Realist Approaches. Realism?J. Sterling-Folker. Structural Realism: The Consequences of Great Power Intervention?K.R. Adams. Neoclassical Realism: The Motives of Great Power Intervention?J. Taliafero. Liberal Approaches. Liberalism?J. Sterling-Folker. Neoliberalism: Institutions at War?S. Kay. Public Goods Liberalism: The Problems of Collective Action?M. Butler and M. Boyer. Game Theory Approaches. Game Theory?J. Sterling-Folker. Game Theory: Modeling Interstate Conflict?S. L. Quackenbush and F.C. Zagare. Constructivist Approaches. Constructivism?J. Sterling-Folker. Social (De)Construction: The Failure of a Multinational State?M. Hoffmann. Relational Constructivism: A War of Words?P.T. Jackson. Postmodern and Critical Theory Approaches. Postmodernism and Critical Theory?J. Sterling-Folker. Postmodernism: A Genealogy of Humanitarian Intervention?R. Shinko. Critical Theory: Dialogue, Legitimacy, and Justifications for War?M. Lynch. Historical Materialism and World System Approaches. Historical Materialism and World System Theory?J. Sterling-Folker. Historical Materialism: Imperialist Rivalry and the Global Capitalist Order?A.W. Cafruny. World System Theory: A Bird?s Eye of the World Capitalist Order?A. Freyberg-Inan. Feminist Approaches. Feminism?J. Sterling-Folker. Liberal Feminism: Local Narratives in a Gendered Context?J. Mertus. Critical Feminism: Gender and War?F. D?Amico. Biopolitical Approaches. Biopolitics?J. Sterling-Folker. Biopolitics: Evolutionary History and Modern Conflict?V.S.E. Falger and J.M.G. van der Dennen. English School Approaches. The English School?J. Sterling-Folker. The English School: Sovereignty and International Law?T. Knudsen. Applying IR Theory?J. Sterling-Folker.

The USA has been considered dominant in creation and shaping of global initiatives. This book examines cases where, in spite of American opposition, the international community has moved forward with agreements. The editors consider how such agreements are reached and what these agreements tell us about international politics today. Each chapter addresses systematically utility and predictive power of major theories of international relations - realism, liberalism and constructivism - to analyze which theories of international cooperation and leadership best predicted these processes and outcomes. Detailed case studies include: Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change ; International Criminal Court ; Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety ; Child Soldier Ban ; Small Arms Programme ; Landmine Ban. Combination of detailed analysis and case studies make this a significant contribution to scholarship in international relations and it should be of interest to students and scholars of international relations theory, international politics and international law--Publisher's description.

How can scholarship in international relations reach policy makers?