Contexts of International Politics

by Gary Goertz

This book examines the ways and means by which nation-states interact with their environment. The author proposes a theory of context that examines the way in which system structure, normative environment, and history can act as contexts for decision makers, either as causes, barriers, or by changing meanings. The theoretical and methodological material is illustrated by a number of case studies that apply context theory to specific problems, such as decolonization, USSR-East European relations, and enduring military rivalries.

310 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 1994

About the author

Gary Goertz is professor of political science and peace studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. His many methods books include A Tale of Two Cultures and Multimethod Research, Causal Mechanisms, and Case Studies (both Princeton).