Theory and Reality of International Politics

The monograph ‘Theory and Reality of International Politics’ by Hans Mouritzen has been published as a paperback during 2020 in the series ‘Routledge Revivals’. It has also now been made available as e-book.

The volume deals with the explanation of international politics and foreign policy. Based on critiques of major IR approaches, a ‘bottom-up’ instead of a systemic ‘top-down’ perspective is advocated, but without falling prey to reductionism explaining foreign policy from domestic factors.

Explanation should primarily stress states’ salient environment, but occasionally also their historical lessons from previous experience with this environment (modified realism). International organizations may be allowed an influence of their own in certain areas, but nation-states remain in ultimate control.