In this subject students are provided with a comprehensive overview of the major approaches to International Relations theory. In this subject we examine the purpose of theory, the origins of International Relations theory and its institutional evolution. We then consider the following approaches: realism; liberalism; constructivism; 'English School' approaches; classical theories; materialist theories; foreign policy analysis, normative theory; and post-positivist theory. Students undertake a detailed analysis of the central ideas associated with each theoretical approach, the major proponents of each theory, the historical and political factors which have given rise to each approach and the opportunities and shortcomings of having such a diverse range of theories competing for analytic and real-world influence.

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Readings