The breakdown of the Bretton Woods system occured, it is said, as domestic interests deviated from international norms. If you believe this analysis, then the future is a bit of a puzzle. Use this assignment to show your understanding of both Gilpin's book and the broader IPE issues that relate to it. Since this is a theory course, you should pay special attention to the theories that Gilpin uses to guide his analysis, the evidence that he cites to back up his theory, and the implications that he derives from this analysis. And, since this is a theory course, you response should be informed by your understanding of IPE theory.
Book reports are primarily de-scriptive.
That is, they try to summarize a book to show basic understanding. This is not a good format for a critical book review, however. A good book review almost treats the book backwards . It first identifies the book's thesis or theses and takes a stand. Then it takes the book apart, examining and evaluating the author's main arguments and the evidence and arguments that were overlooked or ignored, often contrasting it with the work of other leading authors.