Overview
- Develops a new approach to IR theory by way of critiquing concepts of both neo-realism and neo-liberalism, but also social-constructivism
- Examines factors that could cause a major power or nuclear war in the coming years
- Looks to historical examples to develop polices and find ways to resolve disputes and conflicts among states
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About this book
This book critically examines elements of America-First nationalism, neo-conservatism, neo-realism, neo-liberalism, environmental theories, and social constructionism by way of developing an “alternative realist” approach to the study of the origins of major power war. The author critiques concepts of “polarity” and “sovereign” decision making and diplomacy before developing the concept of “highly uneven polycentrism.” The book then develops a unique comparative historical approach that seeks to compare and contrast the pre-World War I, pre-World War II, and Cold War eras with the contemporary post-Cold War period. It is argued that the US, as it remains the leading global hegemon, must fully engage in multilateral diplomacy with major friends and rivals alike in the establishment of differing forms of power sharing and joint sovereignty accords—in order to prevent the global system from polarizing into two contending alliances more reminiscent of both the pre-World War I and pre-WorldWar II periods than the “new Cold War.”
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Keywords
Table of contents (10 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Back Matter
Reviews
“Hall Gardner’s timely study, IR Theory, Historical Analogy, and Major Power War, draws powerfully on his many years of close, analytical scholarship concerning the successes and failures of international diplomacy. It is hard to imagine a moment at which his advice could be more welcome than now—when political incentives often seem to reward polarizing strategies—just the reverse of the realistic, multilateral approaches that Gardner so persuasively recommends.” (Lee Huebner, School of Media and Public Affairs, The George Washington University, USA)
“This original book provides a new analytical tool that can be used to dissect the major international issues of the day, especially the realignment of the major powers.” (Amitai Etzioni, University Professor and Professor of International Affairs, The George Washington University, USA)
“This original book provides a new analytical tool that can be used to dissect the major international issues of the day, especially the realignment of the major powers.” (Amitai Etzioni, University Professor and Professor of International Affairs, The George Washington University, USA)
“A journey of rich intellectual exploration which ranges from the leveraging of history to alliance theory and theories of hegemony. A work of illuminating discussions and arresting observations. A must read.” (Christopher Coker, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics, and Director of LSE IDEAS, UK)
“Dr. Hall Gardner has written an original and evocative book that brings discipline to the most difficult topic of our time—how to explain and understand the uneven post–Cold War global system. It is superb.” (Robert Jackson, Fletcher Jones Professor of Government, University of Redlands, USA, and Distinguished Research Professor, Carleton University, Canada)
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Hall Gardner is Professor and Chair of the International and Comparative Politics Department at the American University of Paris, France.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: IR Theory, Historical Analogy, and Major Power War
Authors: Hall Gardner
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04636-1
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham
eBook Packages: Political Science and International Studies, Political Science and International Studies (R0)
Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG, part of Springer Nature 2019
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-04635-4Published: 14 January 2019
eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-04636-1Published: 21 December 2018
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XIV, 339
Number of Illustrations: 1 b/w illustrations
Topics: International Relations Theory, Conflict Studies, Globalization