Systems, Relations, and the Structures of International Societies

Inspired by recent work in evolutionary, developmental, and systems biology, Systems, Relations, and the Structures of International Societies sketches a robust conception of systems that grounds a new conception of levels (of organization, not merely analysis). Understanding international systems as multi-level multi-actor complex adaptive systems allows explanations of important features of the world that are inaccessible to dominant causal and rationalist explanatory strategies. It also develops a comprehensive critique of IR's dominant conception of systems and structures (narrow, rigid, and unfruitful); presents a novel conception of the interrelationship of the social production of continuities and the social production of change; and sketches models of spatio-political structure that cast new light on the development of international systems, including a distinctive account of the nature of globalization.

'In a world marked by cascades of ever more complex interdependence, Jack Donnelly persuasively argues that differentiation, not anarchy, should be central to understanding world order. This book is a masterpiece, melding theoretical innovation with broad historical scope.' Daniel H. Deudney, Professor of Political Science, Johns Hopkins University, 'At last: a book about international societies as a genus, a book that starts with wholes as parts of wholes, a book that makes sense of levels and layers, a book that fearlessly dispatches Waltz's structuralism for good. A relentlessly systematic, dauntingly detailed book for the ages.' Nicholas Onuf, Professor Emeritus, Florida International University

Jack Donnelly is the Andrew Mellon Professor in the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. His book Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice (2002) is widely acknowledged as one of the preeminent works in the field of international human rights and his work in international relations theory has been published in leading journals including International Organization, European Journal of International Relations, and International Theory.