The balance of power is one of the most fundamental concepts behind international politics and provides a structure for explaining some of the essential principles behind international relations. Yet despite its widespread importance it remains an enigma and is surrounded by controversy. The Balance of Power traces the evolution of the theory from the eighteenth century to the present day. It incorporates classical anlysis and recent research to give a detailed account of the concept in practice and the operation of the international system while challenging traditional views of the balance of power. Its exploration of the way the balance of power operated in key historical periods shows how the generally accepted development of the concept is based on a misunderstanding of the historical reality.

The Balance Of Power: History & Theory

History

Michael Sheehan

World

Routledge

Arms Control: Theory and Practice

The nuclear powers are constantly engaged in negotiations at varying levels over arms control. As east/west relationships fluctuate between tension, after events such as the invasion of Afghanistan and optimism when Reagan and Gorbachev met, it is often difficult to assess what real progress is being made, though the 1987 Washington Summit was indicative of what can be achieved. Michael Sheehan provides a general analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of arms control, allowing the reader to understand the negotiations, both past and present. The framework he adopts also allows an understanding of how far the debates, the manoeuvres and the rhetoric are designed to reduce the nuclear arsenals, or, on occasion, to gain political and tactical advantage. The book starts with the origins of arms control and looks at its development, the bargaining that takes place, the problems of allocating and verifying the nuclear arsenals and, finally, the political context in which the debate takes place. It includes coverage of the Washington Summit.

Arms control: Theory and practice

Military

Blackwell*publishers

Science & Math

Biological Sciences

The Cry of the Jackal

Thomas Bouregy & Company

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Books by Michael Sheehan