Introduction to International Studies

by Orend, Brian

• ISBN13: 9780195439380
• ISBN10: 0195439384
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-09-30
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

International studies is an interdisciplinary field that is rapidly gaining in popularity. Drawing from many well-established disciplines such as political science, geography, sociology, and economics, it examines and evaluates the many issues that affect the global population. Introduction to International Studiesoffers a concise introduction to the fields of international studies and international development, as well as many of the major topical issues of interest to students. It might be assumed that the author of a book on international studies would focus exclusively on governance, economics, conflict resolution, and war, but Orend has been careful to expand his coverage to include such topics as trade, culture, health, and human rights. Theoretical concepts act as the foundation for understanding the real-life examples presented in the form of case studies from various disciplines. Students will learn to apply theory to the quickly changing global world and will finish this text ready to take on more advanced training in international studies.

Author Biography

Brian Orend is the director of international studies, and a professor of philosophy at the University of Waterloo. He earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University in New York City. Orend is the author of five books: On War: A Dialogue (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2008); The Morality of War (Broadview, 2006); Human Rights: Concepts and Context (Broadview, 2002); Michael Walzer on War and Justice (MQUP, 2000); and War and International Justice: A Kantian Perspective (WLU, 2000). He has addressed conferences, media, and audiences around the world on his two major areas of research: war and peace, and human rights. He also consults with private industry and governments on business and professional ethics. He has experience working in intellectual property law and is also the president of LIB Publishing Inc., a start-up fiction press.

Table of Contents

Detailed Contents
Preface
Introduction
Part One: Setting the World Stage
1. Core Concepts and Historical Contexts
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Countries
State Formation
End of European Imperialism
North vs South
The West vs 'the Rest'
Case Study: The American Empire?
Canadian Insights Box
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
2. Population and Resources
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Problem with People
Urbanization
Culture
Connecting Culture to Other Elements of International Studies
Pessimists State Their Case
Connections
Challenges
Optimism vs Pessimism
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
3. Comparative Culture
Learning Objectives
Introduction
A Cultural Tour
Case Study: The Arab-Israeli Conflict
Case Study: Tibet
Clash of Ideology
Welfare Liberalism
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
Part Two: Core Dynamics: Nation vs World
4. Foreign Policy and International Politics
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Countries
North/South
The Powers
Emerging Powers
The American Empire
The Goals of Foreign Policy in General
Common Ground between the Caricatures
What Are the Tools of Foreign Policy?
Case Study: The Example of Canada-US Relations: 'The Best Relationship'
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
5. International Law and Organization
Learning Objectives
Introduction
International Law
The Process of Treaty-Making
International Organization
Case Study: Canada's Peace-Keeping Mission to the Suez Canal
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
Part Three: Traditional Issues of 'Hard Power': Bucks and Bullets
6. International Trade and Business
Learning Objectives
Introduction
A Primer on Macro-economics
Facts about Trade
History - and Strategy - of Trade
International Trade Institutions
Problems and Concerns
Multinational Corporations: Pros and Cons
Fair Trade
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
7. Armed Conflict I: Causes and Outbreak
Learning Objectives
Introduction
War Defined
What Causes War?
International Law's Rules for Starting Wars
Case Study: America vs Afghanistan, 2001
Case Study: America's 2003 Iraq Attack
Civil War
Case Study: The Bosnian Civil War, 1991-95
Armed Humanitarian Intervention
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
8. Armed Conflict II: Methods and Aftermath
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Capabilities
Jus in Bello
Jus Post Bellum: Aftermath
Responding to Objections
Clash of the Models: Revenge vs Rehabilitation
Two Examples of the Revenge Model
The Rehabilitation Alternative: Reconstructing Germany and Japan
Suggested General Principles for the New Post-war Geneva Convention
The Process
Application to Afghanistan and Iraq
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
Part Four: Newer Issues of 'Soft Power': Improving Well-Being
9. Human Rights
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Holocaust
A Different Set of Values
Human Rights, Defined
Moral or Legal?
Rights Violation
Human Rights Objects
Generations of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Case Study: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Regional Human Rights Treaties and Institutions
Case Study: Suing for Restitution in France
Global Human Rights Institutions
Other Tools for Human Rights
Human Rights Non-governmental Organizations
Three Objections, Three Responses
Women's Human Rights
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
10. Global Public Health
Learning Objectives
Introduction
What is Health?
What is Public Health?
Case Study: John Snow (1813-1858)
Case Study: Sara Josephine Baker (1873-1945)
Public Health Authorities
Global Public Health: A Tale of Two Cities
Case Study: Tobacco
Methods to Improve 'the Tale of Two Cities'
A Tale of Two Neighbourhoods: North vs North
Global Poverty
Case Study: Maternal Health
The Other Side of Darkness
Case Study: Smallpox
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
11. International Aid and Development
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Aid vs Development
Rival Concepts of Development
Sources of Development Assistance
Three Waves of Development
Trade and Development
Conclusion
Useful Websites
Review Questions
Notes and References
Conclusion
Glossary
Index