Level 110
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Theory of International Relations

Theory of International Relations

An overview of the principal theoretical schools of International Relations, from realism and liberalism to constructivism and other critical approaches, that explain how states and other actors behave in world politics.

60-Second Review

Express review

A condensed, point-by-point summary of the module, for reviewing right before a test or exam.

  1. Realism: From Thucydides to Neorealism. Realism traces a line from Thucydides through Morgenthau to Waltz's structural balance-of-power theory.
  2. Liberalism and Constructivism. From Kant's perpetual peace to Wendt's constructivism, these schools stress cooperation and ideas.
  3. Critical and Alternative IR Theories. Critical, Marxist, feminist, postcolonial, and poststructuralist theories challenge mainstream IR's assumptions.
  4. Strategic Interaction: Games, Deterrence, and Power. Game theory, deterrence, alliances, and power transition explain strategic interaction among great powers.
  5. Foreign Policy Analysis and Global Governance. Foreign policy analysis and global governance examine decision-making, bargaining, and soft power.
  6. Classical and Critical Geopolitics. Classical geopolitics from Mackinder to Spykman is challenged by critical geopolitics' constructivist critique.
  7. Security Studies: From State to Human Security. Security studies expanded from state security to securitization and human security debates.
  8. Methods and the Future of IR Theory. Rational choice, complexity theory, and debates over theoretical pluralism shape IR's methodological future.

This is the starting point of Theory of International Relations: you don't need any prior knowledge of this subject to begin.

Key points

Visual module map

1Realism: From Thucydides to Neorealism
2Critical and Alternative IR Theories
3Foreign Policy Analysis and Global Governance
4Classical and Critical Geopolitics
5Methods and the Future of IR Theory

Alternative visual view: a simplified sequence of some of the module's key points, in their order within the syllabus.

Your module mastery

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Approximate breakdown by skill
Understanding of historiographical debate0%

A rough estimate based on the key points reviewed, not an exact measurement of actual mastery.

Final test

You need to review all key points to unlock the final test.

Optional mini-games

Extra practice, with no penalty, to reinforce the module's content.

Review Flashcards

Review each key point with cards that flip to reveal the summary.

Memory

Match each concept with its definition in as few attempts as possible.

Time Attack

Answer true or false statements before time runs out.

Chronological Order

Put the module's key points back in their original order.

Further reading

Bibliography and cited sources used to create this module.

  • Waltz, K. (1979). Theory of International Politics. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
  • Morgenthau, H. (1948). Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
  • Wendt, A. (1999). Social Theory of International Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Keohane, R. and Nye, J. (1977). Power and Interdependence. Boston: Little, Brown.
  • Bull, H. (1977). The Anarchical Society: A Study of Order in World Politics. London: Macmillan.
  • Dunne, T., Kurki, M. and Smith, S. (eds.) (2016). International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Allison, G. and Zelikow, P. (1999). Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis. New York: Longman.