Formal Theories in International Relations

by Michael Nicholson

Overview

This book, first published in 1989, gives a critical account of formal international relations theory. That formal and mathematical methods can be applied to the study of international relations is often regarded with surprise, but the author demonstrates not only how these methods give insights into problems such as deterrence or arms races but also that the increase in the power of explanatory tools depends on the more rigourous development of theory along these lines. Mathematical methods have been applied to the study of international behaviour since the pioneering work of Lewis Fry Richardson in the 1920s and 1930s. However, it was in the post Second World War period that they became widespread. Dr Nicholson discusses the application of such methods as the theory of games to problems of relationships between states, catastrophe theory to the study of initiation of violence, and probability theory to the question of the probability of nuclear war.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521399678
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/25/1990
Series:	Cambridge Studies in International Relations , #3
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 10.91(h) x 0.71(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Formal theory in an intellectual context; 2. Presuppositions of a formal approach to international relations; 3. Cooperation and conflict amongst self-interested states; 4. The problem of uncertainty: the conceptual issues; 5. Uncertainty in the international system: applications; 6. Bargaining and conflict termination; 7. A world of many actors: alliances; 8. Models of the arms race; 9. Continuity and discontinuity: catastrophe theory; 10. The international system as a whole; 11. The process of decision; 12. Conclusions; Appendix; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

An account, development, and critical evaluation of analyzing international relations through such mathematical models as game, catastrophe and probability theory. Intended for social scientists, and does not assume any specialized mathematical background. Topics include initiating and terminating conflict, bargaining, alliances, the arms race, and the decision process. The appendix outlines some specific models. Acidic paper. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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