International Relations Theory and Regional Transformation / Edition 1

by T. V. Paul

Overview

Regional transformation has emerged as a major topic of research during the past few decades, much of it seeking to understand how a region changes into a zone of conflict or cooperation and how and why some regions remain in perpetual conflict. Although the leading theoretical paradigms of international relations have something to say about regional order, a comprehensive treatment of this subject is missing from the literature. This book suggests that cross-paradigmatic engagement on regional orders can be valuable if it can generate theoretically innovative, testable propositions and policy-relevant ideas. The book brings together scholars from the dominant IR perspectives aiming to explain the regional order issue through multidimensional and multi-causal pathways and seeking meeting points between them. Using insights from IR theory, the contributors offer policy-relevant ideas which may benefit conflict-ridden regions of the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107604551
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/23/2012
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

T. V. Paul is Director of the McGill/University of Montreal Centre for International Peace and Security Studies (CIPSS) and James McGill Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science at McGill University. He specialises in International Relations, especially international security, regional security and South Asia.

Table of Contents

Part I. Introduction: 1. Regional transformation in international relations T. V. Paul; 2. How regions were made, and the legacies for world politics: an English school reconnaissance Barry Buzan; Part II. Realist Perspectives: 3. Realism and neorealism in the study of regional conflict Dale C. Copeland; 4. Neoclassical realism and the study of regional order Jeffrey W. Taliaferro; Part III. Liberal Perspectives: 5. Economic interdependence and regional peace John M. Owen, IV; 6. Regional organizations à la carte: the effects of institutional elasticity Stephanie C. Hofmann and Frédéric Mérand; 7. Transforming regional security through liberal reforms John R. Oneal; Part IV. Constructivist Perspectives: 8. Ideas, norms, and regional orders Amitav Acharya; 9. Regional security practices and Russian–Atlantic relations Vincent Pouliot; Part V. Eclectic Perspectives: 10. The transformation of modern Europe: banalities of success John A. Hall; 11. Top-down peacemaking: why peace begins with states and not societies Norrin M. Ripsman; Part VI. Conclusions: 12. Strategies and mechanisms of regional change Stéfanie von Hlatky.

Editorial Reviews

"Can regions transform themselves from zones of conflict to zones of cooperation and if so how? In addressing this core question, this volume skilfully bridges theoretical divides and offers strong comparative analysis on different trajectories of regional transformation, with some thought-provoking conclusions." - Louise Fawcett, St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford

"This up-to-date and carefully crafted book delivers on its main promise. With an explicit focus on theories of international relations it inquires into the multi-dimensional and multi-causal pathways that create regional orders. An outstanding group of specialists provide illuminating and cross-paradigmatic perspectives covering most of the world’s main regions." - Peter J. Katzenstein, Walter S. Carpenter, Jr. Professor of International Studies, Cornell University

"The great strength of this book is the range of scholarly perspectives represented. Realists, liberals, constructivists, and others offer competing logics and claims evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. No previous book has been anywhere near so comprehensive in its theoretical treatment of regional transformation. This book will be the definitive reference on regional transformation for some time to come." - Douglas Lemke, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Pennsylvania State University

"A vigorous revitalization of theory and research at the regional level of analysis, comparing and blending the three dominant theoretical perspectives in international politics today. The contributors' surveys and assessments of the literature and major research findings, and their stimulating displays of research techniques, all in a clear and coherent fashion, offer an excellent resource for scholars and students." - Patrick M. Morgan, Tierney Chair in Global Peace and Conflict Studies, University of California, Irvine

"Much of the most interesting work on international integration is now concerned with regional networks of organizations and commerce. This book gives a great window on what's happening in scholarship and in the world." - Bruce Russett, Dean Acheson Research Professor of International Relations, Yale University

"This collection of writings, edited by Paul views regional order as well as conflict through the prism of international relations theories or perspectives...Extensively footnoted, the essays are an invitation for further study and research... This book is strongly recommended to researchers of regional transformation as well as international relations generally. Summing Up: Highly recommended" -R.P. Peters, University of Massachusetts at Boston, CHOICE Magazine

From the Publisher