Historical Dictionary of International Relations

By (author) Peter Lamb, Fiona Robertson-Snape

Hardback - £90.00

Publication date:

21 March 2017

Length of book:

410 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781538101681

The Historical Dictionary of International Relations is a general guide to the theory and practice of the relations between states, and between states and other actors on the world stage. It introduces readers to the real world operations of international relations, and is thus concerned with the actual relations between states, organizations, groups and people. It also offers introductory information about the various theories, old and new, that help explain these relations, why they happen and the possible alternatives that might be available now or in the future. Moreover, some of the key thinkers of these theories are discussed.

The Historical Dictionary of International Relations contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 200 cross-referenced entries on real world operations of international relations, the actual relations between states, organizations, groups and people.. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about International Relations.
Complementing other titles in the well-regarded ‘Historical Dictionaries of International Organizations’ series, this latest addition provides a serviceable, albeit inevitably incomplete, reference resource. The work follows the typical series format, comprising a chronology, an introduction, and a bibliography rounded out by an estimated 200 alphabetically arranged entries, a highly selective, eclectic mélange of assorted subjects in international relations, ranging from the topical (e.g., several pages on the Afghan wars) to the obscure (e.g., Welsh scholar Alfred Eckhard Zimmern). Of note are the explications of various international relations theories and inclusion of biographies of academic contributors to the field. Written by professor and senior lecturer Lamb and Robertson-Snape (both, Staffordshire Univ., UK), the book has a distinctive British flavor. As a basic companion to (as the authors characterize it) ‘an almost inexhaustible subject,’ eschewing any pretense of comprehensiveness, it fulfills its purpose.... [A]cademic libraries with international relations collections should consider acquiring the book under review, particularly those that have purchased other books in the publisher's ‘Historical Dictionary’ series, as it does fill some gaps.

Summing Up:
Recommended. All libraries. All levels.