Thinking About World Peace: The Life and Works of Kenneth Waltz

by Cornelia Beyer (Editor)

Professor Kenneth Waltz is one of the most prominent figures in the academic discipline of International Relations (IR). He established "Neo-realism" as a major school of thought in IR, which still remains the most important one within the discipline in the Anglo-American world and beyond. His main works - Man, the State and War and Theory of International Politics - have laid down the basis for discussions on the causes of (and possibilities for the prevention of) global wars. The first part of the volume comprises his own account of his life and upbringing, and his setting out of his major ideas on International Relations as well as his current thoughts on current international affairs. The second part provides discussions on his most important contributions to the science of International Relations from a contemporary perspective, provided by experts on IR Theory, Security Studies, and the Sociology of Global Affairs. In questioning Waltz's assumptions, conclusions and forecasts, the contributors indicate just how much his theories still hold firm ground. Discussion also centres on where the discipline has progressed beyond his theories.This book not only honours an intellectual giant in his field, but serves as a contemporary guide and introduction for students and academics to International Relations in general, and to the Realist point of view in particular.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2013