This book is an introduction to new debates in international relations. It
attempts to show why anyone who wants to solve foreign policy problems must
understand theories of international relations and the philosophical issues
involved in determining how to choose the best theory. This book poses policy
questions intended to motivate students to think critically about the assumptions
and beliefs that underlay particular policy recommendations. It shows the specific
links between policy decisions and principles of international relations theories
and the further links to philosophical claims about how to choose the best
theory. Thus this book shows why it is important to examine and contrast the
competing scientific-style rationalist foundations of social science theory with
constructivist and poststructuralist positions, since each offers a different way of
understanding what constitutes a good theory of international relations.