What has changed in international relations after 9/11 and what remains much as before? The second edition of Dynamics of International Relations remains grounded in theory and history--three basic perspectives on international relations are tested against recurrent cases of conflict and cooperation issues in world affairs. It uses this framework to put in perspective the confrontation between two new actors on the world scene, the George W. Bush administration and the al-Qaeda network of Osama bin Laden, each determined to destroy the other in a global struggle. Student-friendly and professor-endorsed, Dynamics of International Relations is an innovative, introductory level core text. It compares realist and idealist theories and the paradigm of interdependence against case studies of recurrent problems--why wage war, how to make peace, how to transcend conflict, when and where to mediate, how to increase GDP but also quality of life, and how to organize for peace and promote human rights. Calling upon students to look at the world through policymakers' lenses, Dynamics of International Relations asks whether actors are better advised to seek unilateral or mutual gain. Since "win-win" is not guaranteed, Clemens shows students how coalition building and compromise may be the most productive path in negotiating everything from environmental safeguards to the war on terrorism. Along the way, the author provides detailed case studies, broad empirical surveys, and role-playing simulations to develop a first-hand grasp of the dangers and opportunities inherent in interdependence. Click here for a printable (PDF) flyer of Dynamics of International Relations.

Dynamics of International Relations: Conflict and Mutual Gain in an Era of Global Interdependence

Politics & Social Sciences

Clemens, Walter C., Jr.

Politics & Government

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

The Baltic Transformed

Why isn't the Baltic region like the Balkans? Why have the Baltic republics not experienced ethnic cleansing, border wars, authoritarian rule, and social chaos? Instead, peace, democracy, and market economies have taken root since the fall of communism. Walter C. Clemens, Jr. here uses complexity theory, which analyzes the role of self-organization in complex adaptive systems, to explain the 'Baltic miracle.' He argues that the theory is a vital tool for understanding the remarkable strides made by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania since 1991 in coping with the transition to partnership with the new Europe. The Baltic peoples have adapted well to the demands of democracy, a market economy, and a constructive role in world affairs. The achievements of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the past decade are the more amazing when considered against the hundreds of years they were dominated by Teutonic knights, Hanseatic merchants, Sweden, Russia, and the USSR. Clemens uses this history as a springboard to analyze how Balts self-organize today to meet the challenges of transition. One of the first books to apply complexity theory to a major sphere of world politics, The Baltic Transformed will provoke constructive debate with its ambitious and well-grounded analysis of not only Baltic developments but European security more generally. Despite its theoretical foundation, the book is written in a clear and accessible style that will make it invaluable for courses on comparative politics, political development, international relations, security, or transition studies.

History

Europe

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