Skip to main content
Palgrave Macmillan

The National Interest in International Relations Theory

  • Book
  • © 2005

Overview

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this book

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access

Licence this eBook for your library

Institutional subscriptions

Table of contents (8 chapters)

Keywords

About this book

This is the first systematic and critical analysis of the concept of national interest from the perspective of contemporary theories of International Relations, including realist, Marxist, anarchist, liberal, English School and constructivist perspectives. Scott Burchill explains that although commonly used in diplomacy, the national interest is a highly problematic concept and a poor guide to understanding the motivations of foreign policy.

Reviews

'Scott Burchill has introduced a new and fresh approach to International Relations and conflicts between states. He is objective but also exceedingly insightful, and whoever reads his book will grasp the differences - as well as the weaknesses - between the various schools of thought on world affairs and war and peace.' - Gabriel Kolko, Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus, York University, Canada

'The topic of 'National Interest' has been central to the study of international affairs for a long time, and is of great current concern, as part of ongoing discussion and controversy concerning the role of the state in the evolving international political-economic order. To my knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of the topic within the various frameworks of International Relations theory that have become a very productive area of research in the post-World War II period. Burchill provides a lucid critical account of leading ideas of the major perspectives that have been developed, tracing their origins back to the Enlightenment and beyond. He carefully analyzes the place of the concept of national interest within these perspectives, arriving at conclusions that are well-argued and thought-provoking. It is a very valuable study, with many implications for policy and interpretation.' - Noam Chomsky, Institute Professor, Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  • Deakin University, Australia

    Scott Burchill

About the author

SCOTT BURCHILL has taught International Relations at Monash University, Melbourne University, the University of Tasmania and Deakin University. He is co-author of Theories of International Relations (Third Edition, Palgrave Macmillan 2005) and Australia in the World (1996).

Bibliographic Information

Publish with us