Hardback
Between Anarchy and Hierarchy
A Theory of International Politics and Foreign Policy
9781858981963 Edward Elgar Publishing
Between Anarchy and Hierarchy offers a stimulating new perspective on conflict and collaboration in international politics.
Robert Lieshout’s new book shows how decision-making within individual states influences foreign policy and, in turn, international politics. Using a sliding scale between anarchy and hierarchy, he shows how each political system can be defined, including the distinctly anarchic international system itself. By showing the impact which internal decision-making processes have on the structure of the international system, Professor Lieshout integrates a theory of foreign policy making into a theory of international politics.
Robert Lieshout’s new book shows how decision-making within individual states influences foreign policy and, in turn, international politics. Using a sliding scale between anarchy and hierarchy, he shows how each political system can be defined, including the distinctly anarchic international system itself. By showing the impact which internal decision-making processes have on the structure of the international system, Professor Lieshout integrates a theory of foreign policy making into a theory of international politics.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
Between Anarchy and Hierarchy offers a stimulating new perspective on conflict and collaboration in international politics.
Robert Lieshout’s new book shows how decision-making within individual states influences foreign policy and, in turn, international politics. Using a sliding scale between anarchy and hierarchy, he shows how each political system can be defined, including the distinctly anarchic international system itself. By showing the impact which internal decision-making processes have on the structure of the international system, Professor Lieshout integrates a theory of foreign policy making into a theory of international politics.
After developing the epistemological foundations of this theory, Professor Lieshout applies his principles to results drawn from the use of game theory in international relations, examines the role of force in both hierarchical and anarchic systems, and shows how the adaptability of collective decision-making processes in states influences their behaviour in the international system.
Between Anarchy and Hierarchy is remarkable both for the use of a general empirical behavioural theory to explain international politics, and for integrating theories of bureaucratic decision making into ‘realist’ theories of international relations. It will be of particular interest to international relations specialists as well as economists, political scientists and sociologists within the rational choice tradition.
Robert Lieshout’s new book shows how decision-making within individual states influences foreign policy and, in turn, international politics. Using a sliding scale between anarchy and hierarchy, he shows how each political system can be defined, including the distinctly anarchic international system itself. By showing the impact which internal decision-making processes have on the structure of the international system, Professor Lieshout integrates a theory of foreign policy making into a theory of international politics.
After developing the epistemological foundations of this theory, Professor Lieshout applies his principles to results drawn from the use of game theory in international relations, examines the role of force in both hierarchical and anarchic systems, and shows how the adaptability of collective decision-making processes in states influences their behaviour in the international system.
Between Anarchy and Hierarchy is remarkable both for the use of a general empirical behavioural theory to explain international politics, and for integrating theories of bureaucratic decision making into ‘realist’ theories of international relations. It will be of particular interest to international relations specialists as well as economists, political scientists and sociologists within the rational choice tradition.
Critical Acclaim
‘When the epistemology is sound, intelligence and hard work are sure to bring progress, as they have in this ambitious book by Robert Lieshout. Even some people, like me, who are not specialists in international relations, will find it useful.’
– Mancur Olson, formerly of University of Maryland, US
‘Certainly, Lieshout’s original study is a good starting point for any student interested in the subject of international politics, as the contemporary literature of international politics suffers from being excessively descriptive or observative, rather than explanatory or analytical. Carefully designed and analytically sound case studies should be followed to verify his arguments, particularly the 16 theorems (which are well presented once again in the Appendix section), when the consolidated hierarchy has been disrupted and neo-anarchy is emerging in the international system, at the end of this millennium.’
– John Kwak, Democratization
– Mancur Olson, formerly of University of Maryland, US
‘Certainly, Lieshout’s original study is a good starting point for any student interested in the subject of international politics, as the contemporary literature of international politics suffers from being excessively descriptive or observative, rather than explanatory or analytical. Carefully designed and analytically sound case studies should be followed to verify his arguments, particularly the 16 theorems (which are well presented once again in the Appendix section), when the consolidated hierarchy has been disrupted and neo-anarchy is emerging in the international system, at the end of this millennium.’
– John Kwak, Democratization
Contents
Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Epistemology 3. The Explanatory Principle 4. Interaction 5. Behavioural Theory and Game Theory 6. Change and its Consequences 7. Decision Making and the Management of Conflict in Anarchical Systems 8. Decision Making and the Management of Conflict in the Hierarchical Systems 9. International Politics and Foreign Policy Index
