Description
Neoclassical realism is an important approach to international relations. Focusing on the interaction of the international system and the internal dynamics of states, neoclassical realism seeks to explain the grand strategies of individual states as opposed to recurrent patterns of international outcomes. This book offers the first systematic survey of the neoclassical realist approach. The editors lead a group of senior and emerging scholars in presenting a variety of neoclassical realist approaches to states' grand strategies. They examine the central role of the 'state' and seek to explain why, how, and under what conditions the internal characteristics of states intervene between their leaders' assessments of international threats and opportunities, and the actual diplomatic, military, and foreign economic policies those leaders are likely to pursue.
This book argues that the internal dynamics of states affect their foreign policies, as well as the nature of the international system.
About the Author
Steven E. Lobell is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Utah. Norrin M. Ripsman is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Concordia University. Professor Jeffrey Taliaferro is the author of Balancing Risks: Great Power Intervention in the Periphery (2004), for which he received the American Political Science Association's Robert L. Jervis and Paul W. Schroeder Award for the Best Book in International History and Politics. His articles have appeared in the journals International Security, Security Studies and Political Psychology, and two edited volumes. He is co-editor (and a contributor), along with Steven E. Lobell and Norrin P. Ripsman, of The Challenge of Grand Strategy: The Great Powers and the Broken Balance between the World Wars (Cambridge, 2012).
Reviews
'Neoclassical realism is now a major research program in the realist tradition. Neoclassical Realism, the State, and Foreign Policy is the first comprehensive discussion of the program, together with several of its different theories. This important book fills a significant gap in the International Relations sub-field, and it will be widely read and cited.' Colin Elman, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University
'By focusing on the state and its relationship to society within an uncertain international environment, Lobell, Ripsman, Taliaferro and their contributors advance a genuinely realist theory of foreign policy. An important set of essays that enhances our understanding of how countries assess and respond at both the international and domestic levels to security threats.' David A. Lake, University of California, San Diego
'This volume is the most systematic effort yet to define neoclassical realism, to differentiate it from other forms of realist and liberal international theory, and to extend the scope of its empirical applications. It emphasizes how internal state structures filter external threats and opportunities, and how state leaders evaluate threats, formulate strategies, and mobilize societal resources to support those strategies. These essays by leading neoclassical realist scholars are a must read for all serious students of international conflict.' Jack S.Levy, Board of Governors' Professor, Rutgers University
'Even those who are not card-carrying neo-classical realists will want to read this important attempt to define what is distinctive about this approach to understanding international politics. The volume shows off some excellent historical analysis done in this vein.' Jack Snyder, Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International Relations , Columbia University
'All in all, the well balanced volume illustrates the enduring theoretical power of Realism and particularly Neoclassical Realism's successful attempt to open the 'black box' of the state ... Neoclassical Realism, the State, and Foreign Policy can be recommended not only to those interested in international relations theory as it relates to the state and its foreign policy, but also to those who still believe - wrongly - that Realism is only about brutish and nasty power politics in the international system.' Jodok Troy, Diplomacy and Statecraft
Book Information
ISBN 9780521731928
Author Steven E. Lobell
Format Paperback
Page Count 324
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 530g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 153mm * 16mm
This book argues that the internal dynamics of states affect their foreign policies, as well as the nature of the international system.
About the Author
Steven E. Lobell is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Utah. Norrin M. Ripsman is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Concordia University. Professor Jeffrey Taliaferro is the author of Balancing Risks: Great Power Intervention in the Periphery (2004), for which he received the American Political Science Association's Robert L. Jervis and Paul W. Schroeder Award for the Best Book in International History and Politics. His articles have appeared in the journals International Security, Security Studies and Political Psychology, and two edited volumes. He is co-editor (and a contributor), along with Steven E. Lobell and Norrin P. Ripsman, of The Challenge of Grand Strategy: The Great Powers and the Broken Balance between the World Wars (Cambridge, 2012).
Reviews
'Neoclassical realism is now a major research program in the realist tradition. Neoclassical Realism, the State, and Foreign Policy is the first comprehensive discussion of the program, together with several of its different theories. This important book fills a significant gap in the International Relations sub-field, and it will be widely read and cited.' Colin Elman, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University
'By focusing on the state and its relationship to society within an uncertain international environment, Lobell, Ripsman, Taliaferro and their contributors advance a genuinely realist theory of foreign policy. An important set of essays that enhances our understanding of how countries assess and respond at both the international and domestic levels to security threats.' David A. Lake, University of California, San Diego
'This volume is the most systematic effort yet to define neoclassical realism, to differentiate it from other forms of realist and liberal international theory, and to extend the scope of its empirical applications. It emphasizes how internal state structures filter external threats and opportunities, and how state leaders evaluate threats, formulate strategies, and mobilize societal resources to support those strategies. These essays by leading neoclassical realist scholars are a must read for all serious students of international conflict.' Jack S.Levy, Board of Governors' Professor, Rutgers University
'Even those who are not card-carrying neo-classical realists will want to read this important attempt to define what is distinctive about this approach to understanding international politics. The volume shows off some excellent historical analysis done in this vein.' Jack Snyder, Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International Relations , Columbia University
'All in all, the well balanced volume illustrates the enduring theoretical power of Realism and particularly Neoclassical Realism's successful attempt to open the 'black box' of the state ... Neoclassical Realism, the State, and Foreign Policy can be recommended not only to those interested in international relations theory as it relates to the state and its foreign policy, but also to those who still believe - wrongly - that Realism is only about brutish and nasty power politics in the international system.' Jodok Troy, Diplomacy and Statecraft
Book Information
ISBN 9780521731928
Author Steven E. Lobell
Format Paperback
Page Count 324
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 530g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 153mm * 16mm
