The end of the Cold War has provoked an explosive increase in theories,concepts, and debates in the discipline of International Relations. There isgrowing confusion as to what are the important issues and what are the best waysof approaching them. This book is unique in providing a systematic introductionto principal theories in IR, including 'post-positivist' theories which havegained prominence in recent years. The strengths and weaknesses of each theoryare critically examined and the main points of contention between the theoriesare thoroughly discussed. The text contains a large number of empiricalillustrations which demonstrate the link between theory and actual events.The book provides a rapid entry into the discipline of IR. Each chapter beginswith a brief summary, and ends with a list of key points, study questions, and aguide to further reading. Jackson and Sorensen offer the ideal introduction tothis important subject, enabling students to master IR as a discipline ratherthan merely study current events.