It has become commonplace to observe the growing pervasiveness and impact of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). And yet the three central approaches in International Relations (IR) theory, Liberalism, Realism and Constructivism, overlook or ignore the importance of NGOs, both theoretically and politically.

Offering a timely reappraisal of NGOs, and a parallel reappraisal of theory in IR-the academic discipline entrusted with revealing and explaining world politics, this book uses practice theory, global governance, and new institutionalism to theorize NGO accountability and analyze the history of NGOs. This study uses evidence from empirical data from Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia and from studies that range across the issue-areas of peacebuilding, ethnic reconciliation, and labor rights to show IR theory has often prejudged and misread the agency of NGOs.

Drawing together a group of leading international relations theorists, this book explores the frontiers of new research on the role of such forces in world politics and is required reading for students, NGO activists, and policy-makers.

About the Author
Dr. William E. DeMars is Professor & Chair, Department of Government, Wofford College, USA. Dennis Dijkzeul is the Executive Director of the Institute of International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict and Professor of Conflict and Organization Research at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.

Reviews

NGOs have been challenging international relations theory for some time, and this essential volume clearly articulates the many ways it has. More importantly, it also charts a path for future theorizing.

Michael Barnett, University Professor of International Affairs and Political Science, George Washington University

This new volume on NGOs provides a root and branch critique of how all the major IR theories overlook the politics of NGOs. Redeploying core themes of power and practice, it provides an in-depth understanding of the global order, locating the 'bridging' role that NGOs play for many issues and across many societies. The chapters offer new insights into the strategies and impacts of NGOs in international affairs, and the conclusion synthesizes the various ways in which NGOs force radical reorientations of IR theory. This book should be read by any student or scholar of international relations.

Anthony F. Lang, Jr., Chair in International Political Theory and Director of the Centre for Global Constitutionalism, University of St Andrews

"The NGO Challenge for International Relations Theory is an important and thought-provoking book that consolidates multiple perspectives and offers sound and novel advice for NGO researchers. It will primarily interest doctoral students and faculty specializing in NGO studies, as well as IR theorists concerned with ontology, epistemology, and methodology."

George E. Mitchell, The Powell School of the City College of New York

Book Information
ISBN 9781138845305
Author William E. DeMars
Format Paperback
Page Count 340
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 430g