Introduction to International Relations
Perspectives, Connections and Enduring Questions
4th Edition
Published on 19. February 2026
Book
Hardback
656 pages
978-1-350-45805-5 (ISBN)
Description
Fully updated with contemporary case examples, this introductory bestselling textbook offers a wide-ranging and approachable guide to international relations.
Written by three acclaimed scholars bringing together decades of experience, it introduces key concepts and theories in international relations while equipping you with the analytical frameworks and empirical evidence to examine changes in world politics and the international economy.
Supported by a range of popular boxed features such as Levels of Analysis, Differing Theoretical Approaches, Making Connections and Research Insight to help you navigate the complex problems and events in our rapidly changing world.
New to the fourth edition:
- Updated coverage and discussion of recent developments in international affairs including the war in Ukraine, Israel-Hamas wars, the role of AI in international politics, cryptocurrencies and the rise of the Global South
- Analysis of the resurgence of economic nationalism
- Brand new case studies featuring contemporary examples such as the enlargement of BRICs, China's increased dominance in the world economy and the use of AI and drone technology in recent conflicts
A rich companion website with study guides, instructor resources and interactive exercises has been updated for this edition and is available at no extra cost.
Written by three acclaimed scholars bringing together decades of experience, it introduces key concepts and theories in international relations while equipping you with the analytical frameworks and empirical evidence to examine changes in world politics and the international economy.
Supported by a range of popular boxed features such as Levels of Analysis, Differing Theoretical Approaches, Making Connections and Research Insight to help you navigate the complex problems and events in our rapidly changing world.
New to the fourth edition:
- Updated coverage and discussion of recent developments in international affairs including the war in Ukraine, Israel-Hamas wars, the role of AI in international politics, cryptocurrencies and the rise of the Global South
- Analysis of the resurgence of economic nationalism
- Brand new case studies featuring contemporary examples such as the enlargement of BRICs, China's increased dominance in the world economy and the use of AI and drone technology in recent conflicts
A rich companion website with study guides, instructor resources and interactive exercises has been updated for this edition and is available at no extra cost.
Reviews / Votes
A masterful balance of content and pedagogy. * Kanishkan Sathasivam, Salem State University, USA * A great introduction to the discipline of international relations; comprehensively approaching every angle of the field: history, theory, foreign policy analysis, global institutions of law, politics, and economics, security, as well as addressing the future global challenges in an accessible but academically rigorous format for students. * Christopher R. Cook, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, USA * A superb pedagogical resource for undergraduate students and teachers of International Relations. Wide-ranging in its approach and coverage, it not only engages with the enduring questions that frame the subject matter but shows why those questions are of such fundamental importance. * Rosemary Foot, University of Oxford, UK * The 'must read' textbook authored by three top experts in International Relations. * Atsushi Tago, Waseda University, Japan *More details
Edition
4th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 260 mm
Width: 208 mm
Thickness: 39 mm
Weight
1607 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-45805-5 (9781350458055)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Joseph Grieco is Professor of Political Science at Duke University, USA.
G. John Ikenberry is the Albert G. Milbank Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University, USA.
Michael Mastanduno is Nelson A. Rockefeller Professor of Government at Dartmouth College, USA.
G. John Ikenberry is the Albert G. Milbank Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University, USA.
Michael Mastanduno is Nelson A. Rockefeller Professor of Government at Dartmouth College, USA.
Content
1. Understanding International Relations
I FOUNDATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2. The Emergence of a Global System of States: 1500-Today
3. Theories of International Relations
4. The Analysis of Foreign Policy
5. Framing International Relations: The Role of Laws and Organisations
II WAR AND PEACE: AN INTRODUCTION TO SECURITY STUDIES
6. War and Its Causes
7. Pathways to Interstate Peace
8. Modern Technology, the Use of Force, and the Practice of International Relations
III WEALTH AND POWER: AN INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
9. International Economics: Basic Theory and Core Institutions
10. States and Markets in the World Economy
11. Dilemmas of Development
IV CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND THE FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
12. Non-State Actors and Challenges to Sovereignty
13. The Natural Environment and International Relations
14. Facing the Future: Six Visions of an Emerging International Order
I FOUNDATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2. The Emergence of a Global System of States: 1500-Today
3. Theories of International Relations
4. The Analysis of Foreign Policy
5. Framing International Relations: The Role of Laws and Organisations
II WAR AND PEACE: AN INTRODUCTION TO SECURITY STUDIES
6. War and Its Causes
7. Pathways to Interstate Peace
8. Modern Technology, the Use of Force, and the Practice of International Relations
III WEALTH AND POWER: AN INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
9. International Economics: Basic Theory and Core Institutions
10. States and Markets in the World Economy
11. Dilemmas of Development
IV CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND THE FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
12. Non-State Actors and Challenges to Sovereignty
13. The Natural Environment and International Relations
14. Facing the Future: Six Visions of an Emerging International Order