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5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice theoretical framework,
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This review is from: Why Nations Cooperate: Circumstance and Choice in International Relations (Paperback)
I would definitely recommend the book for students and international relations theory afficionados. It does a very nice job of reconciling aspects of realism with those of liberalism. Game theory is used in very simple form, so it's readable even for the uninitiated. It's definitely not for those who hate theory. This is definitely theoretical. That said, it reads very well, unlike most theory books, which tend to be dense and dry. Some thought actually went into the writing style of this book, which makes for a pleasant experience.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good introduction to theoretical debates in international relations today, if a bit dated,
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This review is from: Why Nations Cooperate: Circumstance and Choice in International Relations (Paperback)
This book is based on a simple idea: because "Realist" theories of international relations emphasize conflict, while "Liberal" theories emphasize international cooperation, one can reasonably combine insights from both approaches by using simple games of conflict *and* cooperation - - such as the famous Prisoners' Dilemma. Stein then goes further and argues that many other problems of international relations can be examined with other simple games, such as Chicken or Coordination (Battle of the Sexes). He makes the case successfully, emphasizing the theoretical side of international relations while including some real-world problems throughout the book.
The book has become somewhat dated. Scholars of international relations tend not to emphasize Realist-Liberal debates anymore, preferring a rational-constructivist debate; both Realists and Liberals find themselves among the rationalists. The two-by-two games in this book are also very dated, since most game-theoretic models are much more complicated today. Being out of step with current debates doesn't really hurt Stein's book if you're looking for an introduction to theories of international relations - - read this as background to the debates of the last fifteen years. Stein identifies with parts of each approach, and with game-theoretic methods. However, he likes taking the role of a friendly critic, making his presentation the material balanced. If you're looking for hypotheses, data collection, and statistical tests, however, you'll be disappointed in this book. It's very much a work of international relations theory, explained in a way that should make sense to intelligent undergraduates, and doesn't worry too much about evidence. I am inclined to say this isn't a defect - - it's a feature.
1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Don't buy this book if you can help it.,
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This review is from: Why Nations Cooperate: Circumstance and Choice in International Relations (Paperback)
It was listed as a required course book, but we never once had to read it.
I did read it, however, and found it mind-numbingly boring. The author drones on and on, wasting words and paper, wihtout ever saying anything of substance. The only uses for this book are royalties for the author and coma-inducing anesthesia for the mind of the reader.
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Inside This Book
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Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs):
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New York, Great Britain, David Singer, Los Angeles, President Kennedy, Ignited States, American Political Science Review, Cold War, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Nuclear Politics, Basil Blackwell, John Wiley, Robert Jervis, Behavioral Science, Comparative Politics, Daniel Kahneman, Duncan Snidal, Free Press, John Kenneth Galbraith, John Wilev, Johns Hopkins, Journal of Peace Research, Middle East, Richard Rosecrance, Some Notes New!
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
New York, Great Britain, David Singer, Los Angeles, President Kennedy, Ignited States, American Political Science Review, Cold War, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Nuclear Politics, Basil Blackwell, John Wiley, Robert Jervis, Behavioral Science, Comparative Politics, Daniel Kahneman, Duncan Snidal, Free Press, John Kenneth Galbraith, John Wilev, Johns Hopkins, Journal of Peace Research, Middle East, Richard Rosecrance, Some Notes New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 16
books:
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34
books
cite this book:
See all 34 books citing this book
- International Polictics 2nd by Robert Art & Robert Jervis on 5 pages
- Perception and Misperception in International Politics (Center for International Affairs, Harvard University) by Robert Jervis on page 57, page 76, and page 203
- Man, the State, and War by Kenneth N. Waltz on page 9, and page 122
- Second World War (Knowing British history) (v. 10) by Steve L. Case on page 177
- Kaisha Japanese Corp by James C. Abegglen on page 119
See all 16 books this book cites
- Failing to Win: Perceptions of Victory and Defeat in International Politics by Dominic D. P. Johnson in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Strategic Preemption: US Foreign Policy And The Second Iraq War (Us Foreign Policy and Conflict in the Islamic World) (Us Foreign Policy and Conflict in the Islamic World) by Robert J., Jr. Pauly on page 12, and Back Matter
- Lyndon B. Johnson and the Politics of Arms Sales to Israel: In the Shadow of the Hawk (Israeli History, Politics and Society) by Abraham Ben-Zvi on page 24, and Back Matter
- A Bitter Harvest: Us Foreign Policy and Afghanistan (Us Foreign Policy and Conflict in the Islamic World) by Tom Lansford on page 68, and Back Matter
- Europe's Foreign and Security Policy: The Institutionalization of Cooperation (Themes in European Governance) by Michael E. Smith in Back Matter
See all 34 books citing this book
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