The Penguin Dictionary of International Relations

As an international relations student, I constantly see new words and ideas that my undergrad degree left me unprepared for. This book solves all those problems. If I could go back in time, I would have bought it sooner. The book is wonderful. Yes, it does have the term you are looking for...

One of the best reference sources for those baffled by the complexities of international relations. I highly recommend this book for the serious undergraduate or graduate student and the ardent current affirs buff. This is undoubtedly a trusted and reliable reference source, one you can turn to to gain an increased understanding of IR. Written in highly readable manner, this book certainly doubles as a complete idiots guide to IR.

The specialized and highly referential language of serious studies in international relations and foreign policy demands a great deal of the unschooled student of these subjects. This is why I strongly recommend this companion resource. Evans and Newnham have written a necessary and highly readable guide to the events, terminology, and ideas that form the basis of studies in these and related fields today. The entries are arranged alphabetically with each topical mini-essay extensively cross-referencing its contents. An ambitious reader could easily spend hours bouncing randomly throughout the book following down ideas and phrases marked in the previous entry. While not intended to be read from cover-to-cover, it is a pleasant and informative exercise, because the entries are coherently developed essays with no shortage of detail. First published in 1998, Penguin should now consider a revision. After the events of September 11th, 2001, it seems a bit odd to read an entry on terrorism that is even a bit shorter than one on the Olympic Games. Perhaps a new edition of this fine book will note President George W. Bush's commencement address at the United States Military Academy at West Point (June, 2002), and how it evolves the notion of America's Cold War reliance on deterrence and containment to a policy of pre-emptive deterrence as seen in the military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Just like the Penguin Dictionary to 20th Century History, and many other manuals in the same series, this book is extremely precious - if not indispensable - for all those studying or needing to have some grasp of international relations and international history. It is of great use for scholars, who may need to refresh their knowledge on one or the other subject, the details of which they might not remember just off their head. While it is also of crucial use to beginners, who may wish to approach their study of international relations with the aid of this truly comprehensive book, offering information and explanations in a rigorous, yet truly easy-to-read, fashion. The entries are dense and concise at the same time, ensuring maximum time-efficiency, thus enabling a speedy and smooth look-up of information. The coverage is of course excellent, covering the globe, and every topic under the field. All in all, it is a book that cannot be missing from the personal stacks of anyone working in this field.

Being a student of International Relations I really enjoyed this book. Incredibly up-to-date, this is probably the best reference book on the subject. I would also recommend Findlin's "Dictionary of American Diplomatic History" that makes with the penguin dictionary the two essencial books in any IR library. Buy it. You won't regret it.