Summary
This book breaks new ground in the way we think about international relations theory.
Kees van der Pijl argues that by making the "nation-state" the focus of international relations, the discipline has become Euro-centric and a-historical. Theories of imperialism and historic civilisations, and their relation to world order, have been discarded. With more than half the world's population living in cities, with unprecedented levels of migration, global politics is present on every street corner. The "international" is no longer only a balance of power among states, but includes tribal relations making a comeback in various ways.
Outlining a new approach to IR theory, the book makes a case for a re-reading of world history in terms of foreign relations, and shows what it reveals about both our past and our future.
Reviews:
Winner of the Deutscher Memorial Prize 2008.
'For years to come, this is a book that will be essential reading.' Robert Albritton, Professor Emeritus, York University, Canada
'A majesterial account of "foreign relations" that is at once conceptually innovative and deeply historical. This impressive work deserves a very wide readership.' Dr Randall Germain, Associate Professor, Carleton University, Canada.
'A pioneering and ambitious work, rich in conceptual adjudication and historical detail ... Kees van der Pijl argues [in favour of] a reformulation of international relations theory and history as a whole. A work of scholarship, imagination, cogency and irreducible humanistic optimism.' Professor Fred Halliday, London School of Economics
'An intellectual tour de force! This important, innovative and insightful book challenges the dominant Euro-centric and state-centric approach to international relations.’ Susanne Soederberg, Canada Research Chair, Department of Development Studies, Queen’s University, Canada.
'A masterful work of historical materialism.' Ronnie D. Lipschutz, Professor of Politics, University of California, Santa Cruz
'Kees presents his analysis without being encumbered by a nation-state centric framework. His highly accessible tour-de-force is rich, provocative and interesting.' George Wright, Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Science, California State University
'Tracing the history of "foreign relations," Kees van der Pijl shows that they are inscribed in daily life. Nomads, Empires, States is an artful study that redefines the field of international studies.' James H. Mittelman, Professor, American University, Washington, DC
