Kaufman provides a theory-informed introduction to international relations hitting all the conceptual constructs that define a mainstream approach to this field…. Historically grounded and theoretically informed, this work references important contributors to the field over the past century, laying the groundwork for deeper exploration in any given area. It is a perfect introduction to the field. Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers.

Kaufman has written a very accessible, comprehensive, and updated text that students will find extremely valuable. Beginning with the question, “Why study IR?”, the book introduces readers to international relations theories and approaches (realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, and feminist IR) as well as the levels of analysis framework. The theories and levels of analysis are woven throughout the subsequent chapters that address the major conceptual areas of IR: the nation-state and war/peace, factors within the state, and non-state actors. The final chapter utilizes these tools to analyze four contemporary in-depth case studies—environmental protection; migration; women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda; and China.

Kaufman delivers an excellent edition on international relations theory and practice, capturing the changing realities of international politics and demonstrating that adjustments to theory are critical to grasping them. Kaufman clearly addresses complex theoretical constructs needed to properly study and analyze international relations and highlights their relevance for understanding contemporary dilemmas. Introduction to International Relations is a welcome contribution to the current relevance and significance of international relation theories and practice.

I have been using various editions of Joyce Kaufman’s Introduction to International Relations since it first published, and I continue using this book because it remains clear, concise, current, easy to understand, and affordable. Kaufman deftly manages to combine levels of analysis, concise summaries of competing theories, box text excerpts of famous cases and classic statements, and up-to-date coverage of recent developments like global climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m confident my students are engaging with this book because I see references to it on almost every written assignment they submit. It’s hard to introduce a broad and contested field like IR in one succinct textbook, but Kaufman pulls it off admirably and provides us with a solid foundation for enthusiastically introducing our students to world politics.

Joyce P. Kaufman is professor emerita of political science and founding director of the Center for Engagement with Communities at Whittier College. She continues to teach courses on IR. Her books include A Concise History of U.S. Foreign Policy, fifth edition; Women at War, Women Building Peace: Challenging Gender Norms; Women and War: Gender Identity and Activism in Times of Conflict; Women, the State, and War: A Comparative Perspective on Citizenship and Nationalism; Providing for National Security: A Comparative Analysis;and The Future of Transatlantic Relations: Perceptions, Policy, and Practice.