Why is it so difficult to achieve peace and cooperation in world politics? How do countries get what they want? Do rules and norms matter in the international arena?

IR: Seeking Security, Prosperity, and Quality of Life in a Changing World invites students to participate in these debates by providing a clear introduction to not just what happens, but why and how it happens. Assuming no prior knowledge about international relations, award-winning teachers and scholars James M. Scott, Ralph G. Carter, and A. Cooper Drury meet students where they are and provides them with a framework to make sense of the complicated events and interactions of world politics.

Thoroughly updated, the Fourth Edition provides insights into the changing nature of power in the global system and the greatest challenges to international order, including the populist backlash against globalization, Russian assertiveness and China’s growing influence, cyberwarfare, COVID-19, and climate change.

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Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
CHAPTER 1. World Politics: Seeking Security, Prosperity, and Quality of Life in a Complicated and Connected World
Introduction: Making Sense of World Politics
1-1 A Complex World Connected to You
1-2 The Challenge of Security, Prosperity, and Quality of Life in World Politics
1-3 The Levels of Analysis and International Relations
1-4 Explaining the Patterns of World Politics
1-5 Dilemmas of Cooperation in International Relations: The Prisoner’s Dilemma and the Stag Hunt
Conclusion: Seeking Security and Contending With Challenges
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
Part I. Theory and Practice
CHAPTER 2. The Players and the Playing Field: Anarchy, States, and Non-state Actors
Introduction: The IR Game Board
2-1 The Search for International, Economic, and Human Security in a Changing World
2-2 The Pre-Westphalian System (Pre-1648)
2-3 The Westphalian System (1648–1989)
2-4 The Neo-Westphalian System (1990–Present)
Conclusion: Same Players but a Changing Field?
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
CHAPTER 3. Powerful Ideas: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism
Introduction: Powerful Ideas
3-1 Theory and International Relations
3-2 The Realist Perspective on World Politics
3-3 The Liberal Perspective on World Politics
3-4 The Constructivist Perspective on World Politics
Conclusion: Dueling Theories?
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
CHAPTER 4. Alternative Perspectives on International Relations
Introduction: Alternatives to Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism
4-1 Foreign Policy Analysis
4-2 Marxism and Marxist Theory
4-3 World Systems Theory
4-4 Feminism
Conclusion
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
Part II. International Security
CHAPTER 5. Understanding Conflict: The Nature and Causes of Conflict and War
Introduction: International Conflict
5-1 The Nature of Armed Conflict
5-2 The Nature and Evolution of War in World Politics
5-3 Why Wars Begin
Conclusion: The Consequences of Wars
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
CHAPTER 6. Seeking Security: Managing Conflict and War
Introduction: Managing Conflict and Seeking Security
6-1 The Challenge of International Security
6-2 Realist Approaches to Security and Conflict
6-3 Liberal Approaches to Security and Conflict
Conclusion: Seeking Security
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
CHAPTER 7. Building Peace: Structures of Cooperation
Introduction: Achieving Cooperation
7-1 Cooperation and Its Challenges
7-2 Diplomacy: Negotiation in World Politics
7-3 International Law: Norms and Rules Without Central Authority
7-4 International Organizations: The European Union, the United Nations, and Many Others
Conclusion
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
Part III. Economic Security
CHAPTER 8. The Pursuit of Economic Security: Trade, Finance, and Integration
Introduction: Money Is Power
8-1 Money, Power, and Security
8-2 The National Economy Era: Colonialism and Mercantilism
8-3 The International Economy Era: Free Trade, Liberalism, and Marxism
8-4 The Global Economy Era
Conclusion
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
CHAPTER 9. Economic Statecraft: Sanctions, Aid, and Their Consequences
Introduction: Using Wealth to Influence Other Countries
9-1 Economic Statecraft
9-2 Economic Sanctions
9-3 Foreign Aid
Conclusion
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
CHAPTER 10. International Development: Relations Between the Haves and Have-Nots
Introduction: The Differences Between the Rich and the Poor
10-1 The Wealth Gap
10-2 Why Are Some Countries Rich and Others Poor?
10-3 Development Theories and Policies
10-4 International Organizations and Development
Conclusion
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
Part IV. Human Security
CHAPTER 11. Human Rights: People, Human Security, and World Politics
Introduction: Redefining Sovereignty From Protecting Borders to Protecting People
11-1 The Evolution of Human Rights
11-2 The Human Rights Regime: From Norms to Rules
11-3 The Challenge of Implementation and Enforcement
Conclusion: The Evolving Human Rights Regime
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
CHAPTER 12. Managing the Global Commons: Whose Responsibility?
Introduction: Managing the Global Commons and the Consequences of Human Actions
12-1 The “Tragedy of the Commons” Illustrated in the Environment
12-2 The Evolving Environmental Regime and the Challenges of Sustainable Development
12-3 The Challenge of Fostering Sustainable Development
12-4 Emerging Arenas of Competition and Cooperation
Conclusion: Managing the Global Commons
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
CHAPTER 13. Transnational Advocacy Networks: Changing the World?
Introduction: A New Form of International Actor?
13-1 What Are Transnational Advocacy Networks?
13-2 How Do Transnational Advocacy Networks Affect Human Security?
13-3 The Diverse World of Transnational Advocacy Networks
Conclusion: Transnational Advocacy Networks and the Global Future
Key Concepts
Key Terms
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
Part V. Looking Ahead
CHAPTER 14. Security, Prosperity, and Quality of Life in the Balance: Future Directions and Challenges
Introduction: Interpreting How the World Works
14-1 Anarchy, Diversity, and Complexity in World Politics
14-2 Seeking Security
14-3 The Road Ahead
14-4 Theory in Action, Geography, and Foreign Policy in Perspective
Conclusion
Key Concepts
Review Questions
Think About This
For More Information . . .
Appendix of World Maps
Glossary
References
Index