Institut für Politikwissenschaft

Key Concepts in International Relations

The SAGE Key Concepts series provides students with accessible and authoritative knowledge of the essential topics in a variety of disciplines. Cross-referenced throughout, the format encourages critical evaluation through understanding. Written by experienced and respected academics, the books are indispensable study aids and guides to comprehension.

Key Concepts in International Relations

'This excellent reference book will be the first point of call for students wishing to quickly make sense of the key texts of the discipline; without shying away from controversy the authors illuminate and clarify the central conceptual debates of International Relations.'

Christopher May, Professor of Political Economy, Lancaster University


International Relations is a vibrant field of significant growth and change. This book guides students trough the complexities of over 40 central concepts and core theories, relating them at all times to contemporary issues and debates. Each concept is divided into five sections to allow rapid familiarisation with the topic and provide signposts for further exploration:


In addition the major theories are covered by six-part entries that give a 360 degree view of the strengths, weaknesses, applications and methodologies of each theory:


Clear and highly readable, Key Concepts in International Relations is an essential guide for students on politics and international relations courses.


Thomas Diez is Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the Institute for Political Science, University of Tübingen. Ingvild Bode is a researcher at the Institute for Political Science, University of Tübingen. Aleksandra Fernandes da Costa is at the Department of Politics, University of Exeter.