Perspectives on International Relations: Power, Institutions, and Ideas
The main contribution of the book is to articulate a solid and logical sequence of methods, theories and history, giving students insight into the economic and political challenges arising from globalization. Students find in this book the instruments to link the world of political ideas to sets of facts in international relations. Professors are reminded of their perennial scholarly duty to teach students how to assess competing worldviews to explain every aspect of international relations. In sum, this is one of the most comprehensive textbooks in our field -- Roberto Dominguez Striking just the right balance in content and readership level, Professor Nau's Perspectives on International Relations has been well received in both my graduate and undergraduate seminars. The extensive application of classical and contemporary international relations theories to key global issues, core concepts and methodological problems has furthered students' understanding and appreciation of the complexities of international relations. Moreover, Nau's text has served as an indispensable review for my graduate students preparing for comprehensive exams in the field -- Waltraud Morales World politics is an exceedingly complex subject, and the myriad ways scholars study and teach it make it seem still more complex. More than most textbooks, Henry Nau's helps students by imposing some order on this complexity. The seriousness with which Nau takes history; his clear treatment of political economy as well as of international security; and above all his applications of three major schools of thought - realism, liberalism, and constructivism - make this a superb introduction -- John Owen