The Oxford Encyclopedia of Empirical International Relations Theory 4-volume set

International relations often seems chaotic, complex, and difficult to understand. Theoretical explanations can help resolve this confusion, but for much of the modern history of international relations, theory has often been vague or highly general. This 4-volume work provides the definitive resource on middle-range theory in the widest survey of empirical IR theory ever conducted. Through over 150 entries by leading scholars, The Oxford Encyclopedia of Empirical International Relations Theory provides an authoritative overview of the central approaches, methodologies, and topics of the field. Its comprehensive examination of both classic and emerging theories underscores the breadth and depth of international relations theory today and is a necessary resource for students and as well as both new and established scholars.

William R. Thompson is Distinguished Professor and the Donald A. Rogers Professor of Political Science at Indiana University, Bloomington. He is a former president of the International Studies Association (2005Ââ6), former editor in chief of International Studies Quarterly (1994â1998 and 2009â13), and has been on the editorial boards of numerous journals. Professor Thompson is also the recipient of the World Society Foundation's Award of Excellence in World Society Research, the International Global Research Association and Moscow State University's V. I. Vernadsky Gold Medal of Honor (for contribution to global studies), and the International N. D. Kondratieff Foundation and Russian Academy of Sciences' Silver Kondratieff Medal (for contribution to the social sciences). He is presently the Editor in Chief of the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics.