The Elusive Quest Continues
Theory and Global Politics
Published on 14. August 2003
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-0-13-099279-6 (ISBN)
Description
For advanced undergraduate/ graduate-level courses in Theories of International Politics or Philosophy of Science.
Unique in perspective, this text summarizes the achievements, problems, and prospects for theory in the field of international politics-with a focus on the theoretical and epistemological issues that divide the major theorists. It summarizes major theoretical approaches starting in the Middle Ages, places them in theoretical traditions, and suggests how theory evolves over time. It ends on a cautious note-praising the growing interest in the subjective dimension of the field while criticizing the wholesale rejection of empiricism by postmodernists, public choice theorists, and others.
Unique in perspective, this text summarizes the achievements, problems, and prospects for theory in the field of international politics-with a focus on the theoretical and epistemological issues that divide the major theorists. It summarizes major theoretical approaches starting in the Middle Ages, places them in theoretical traditions, and suggests how theory evolves over time. It ends on a cautious note-praising the growing interest in the subjective dimension of the field while criticizing the wholesale rejection of empiricism by postmodernists, public choice theorists, and others.
Reviews / Votes
"The book is ... complete in the sense that it captures all of the intra-disciplinary dialogues and debates currently animating the IR field (as well as dialogues and debates historically engaged). While Ferguson and Mansbach weigh into the debates with gusto, supporting some positions and rejecting others, their representation of varying points of view is informed, informative, and fair. The Elusive Quest Continues is exciting and promising ...." - Donald J. Puchala, University of South Carolina"I think this book could emerge as the most effective, comprehensive, and (most importantly) candid assessment of our field to date." - Steven W Hook, Kent State University
More details
Content
Introduction: Taking Stock.
I. SOURCES OF THEORY.
1. Paradigms and Theoretical Growth in Global Politics.
2. Values and Paradigm Change in Global Politics.
3. Changing Norms and Theory: The Middle Ages to Machiavelli.
4. The Vicissitudes of Norms and Theory: Realism and Idealism.
II. CONCEPTUAL ANARCHY.
5. The State as an Obstacle to Understanding Global Politics.
6. The Uncertain Bounds of Bounded Rationality.
7. Quo Vadis Foreign Policy?
8. The Challenge of Anarchy and the Search for Order.
9. The End of the Elusive Quest?
10. The Quest Continues.
Notes.
Bibliography.
Name Index.
Subject Index.
I. SOURCES OF THEORY.
1. Paradigms and Theoretical Growth in Global Politics.
2. Values and Paradigm Change in Global Politics.
3. Changing Norms and Theory: The Middle Ages to Machiavelli.
4. The Vicissitudes of Norms and Theory: Realism and Idealism.
II. CONCEPTUAL ANARCHY.
5. The State as an Obstacle to Understanding Global Politics.
6. The Uncertain Bounds of Bounded Rationality.
7. Quo Vadis Foreign Policy?
8. The Challenge of Anarchy and the Search for Order.
9. The End of the Elusive Quest?
10. The Quest Continues.
Notes.
Bibliography.
Name Index.
Subject Index.