Originally published in 1973, Theory and World Politics provides a penetrating and lucid treatment of the possibilities and applications of the important contemporary approaches to international relations at the time. The essays aim at developing a more reliable and systematic understanding of the subject, and they are presented in such a way that the reader does not become lost in a maze of social-scientific jargon. Professor Lieber very aptly relates the scientific approach to real world problems and clearly explains and integrates new and important theoretical perspectives. In an eminently readable style, he covers such topics as: game theory, integration theory, communications and systems theories, approaches to power and conflict, and the relationship of theory to public policy and political values. This book filled a major and previously unmet need in the international relations field; it will be a stimulus to thought for scholars and professionals with interests in this field and promised to become the ideal accompaniment to any undergraduate course on the subject.
