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

What has changed in international relations after 9/11 and what remains much as before? This 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, this work is an 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 conditional cooperation 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.