Covering 1816–2016, this book deals extensively with the international system as well as the territorial outcomes of several key wars that were waged during that time period, providing an instructive lesson in diplomatic history and international relations among global powers.
Based on an in-depth review of the leading theories in the field of international relations, International Relations Theory of War explains an innovative theory on the international system, developed by the author, that he applies comprehensively to a large number of case studies. The book argues that there is a unipolar system that represents a kind of innovation relative to other systemic theories. It further posits that unipolar systems will be less stable than bipolar systems and more stable than multipolar systems, providing new insights relative to other theories that argue that unipolar systems are the most stable ones.
The first chapter is devoted to explaining the manner of action of the two dependent variables—systemic international outcome and intra-systemic international outcome. The second chapter presents the international relations theory of war and its key assumptions. The third chapter precisely defines the distribution of power in the system. The fourth chapter examines the theory’s two key phenomena. The fifth and last chapter presents the book’s conclusions by examining the theoretical assumptions of the international relations theory of war.
Features
- Presents an innovative theory of war that covers the major superpower conflicts of the past 200 years
- Provides the tools necessary to understanding current events and shows how they are relevant to the future of international relations
- Emphasizes the competitive aspects and conflicts of international politics
- Answers the key question of why certain time periods are more prone to war than others
- Explains why certain superpower wars end with territorial expansion whereas others end in the contraction or maintaining of territorial status
Ofer Israeli, PhD, is a lecturer and senior research fellow in the Institute for Policy and Strategy at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya and a research fellow at the National Security Studies Center, University of Haifa, Israel. He also teaches National Security and Strategy at the Israel Defense Forces Academy for Strategy. Dr. Israeli has published numerous articles in academic journals and magazines and often appears as a special international affairs and Middle East commentator on national and international television, covering such topics as Israel's security and foreign policy, the Iran nuclear program, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Reviews
"Israeli has produced a theoretically ambitious and innovative work that constitutes a significant contribution to the realist canon. His inquiry into the effects of the balance of power on war and territorial expansion provides not just a deeper understanding of the past, but also policy-relevant guidance for the conduct of statecraft in a changing and uncertain world."—Charles A. Kupchan, Professor of International Affairs, Georgetown University; Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
"Ofer Israeli has written an important book that integrates novel theories in international relations with insightful historical and contemporary analyses. The book makes a significant contribution to the research of international politics. Dr. Israeli shows the relevance of international relations theory for explaining key aspects of war and policy in the global system. This book is highly recommended for all those who are interested in such critical questions."—Benjamin Miller, Professor of International Relations, University of Haifa
"In his commendable new book, Ofer Israeli has provided us with a work that is scholarly and reader-friendly, and which makes a valuable contribution to the literature on international relations theory."—Michael Sharnoff, Associate Professor, Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security
Praeger Security International
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Covering global hot spots from Iran to Venezuela and subjects ranging from terrorism and cyber warfare to food security, books in the Praeger Security International series give readers access to carefully considered and highly informed viewpoints on the critical security issues that threaten to destabilize our world. With titles authored by diplomats, academic researchers, journalists, military leaders and combatants, legal experts, psychologists, and other knowledgeable specialists, these books offer in-depth analysis and international perspectives that are unavailable in the mass media. These titles represent an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers as well as for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the complex issues that affect our lives and future.Features
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