International relations theory PART 1. Images of international relations theory PART 2. Interpretive understandings & normative considerations PART 3. The intellectual roots of IR theory. This book is the longest standing and best selling IR theory text on the market popular for the authors clear and readable explanations of the various IR world views. Newer editions identify separate interpretive understandings positivism feminism and those influenced by phenomenology post modernism critical theory and constructivism.