Understanding International Relations

The fifth edition of this bestselling textbook offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to International relations and has been fully updated to cover the dramatic changes in recent world politics. Written in the author’s unique and engaging style, the text explores everything from foreign policy and security to global governance and the global economy, to show how the theories and concepts Brown outlines are the only way to make sense of contemporary issues and events. With reference to such diverse events as Brexit, the Russian armed conflict in Ukraine, the financial crisis, the rise of China, and the challenges of identity politics, the author expertly shows how the range of theories presented in the book allow for an understanding of the destabilising events and developments that characterise global politics today, and will continue to do so in the future. This text remains the definitive guide to understanding international relations, and is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students of international relations at any stage of their studies.New to this Edition:- Thoroughly updated to showcase the breadth of the latest research and key thinkers in international relations theory.- Entirely rewritten chapter on the development of human rights and international criminal law.- Brand new chapter that offers a sophisticated and up-to-date analysis of the current state of world politics.

An excellent introductory book which familiarises students with International Relations theories while exploring some of the most important issues and debates in the discipline ... Overall, a brilliant, up-to-date companion for students and teachers of International Relations., Combining wisdom and wit in the seemingly effortless style for which Chris Brown is known, the 5th edition of Understanding International Relations is simply the best introduction to the discipline of International Relations available., Steeped in the discipline’s key conversations, Chris Brown sets out the academic discipline of International Relations in this lucidly written book. Its strength is that it provides an overview while also supplying historical depth and theoretical nuance to anyone wishing to grasp the subject as well as its intellectual origins., Chris Brown's 5th edition is a welcome reworking of a classic text, which artfully fuses his recognition for the endurance of traditional IR approaches with astute re-examinations of their relevance in explaining new global developments. The result is a book that does exactly what it promises, namely, to increase our understanding of international relations, today, yesterday and tomorrow., This sophisticated yet accessible text offers a theory-based account of how international relations work at the individual, group, state, and global levels. This fifth edition is one of the best volumes in the discipline for both students and those looking for a refresher.

CHRIS BROWN is Emeritus Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. He has published extensively on International Relations Theory, international political theory, and was previously Chair of the British International Studies Association and, at LSE, Head of the Department of International Relations.