International Relations and the Challenge of Postmodernism

"D. S. L. Jarvis's book is a wake-up call to international relations scholars who have become increasingly preoccupied with meta-theory and epistemology to the detriment of explaining "real world" phenomena, such as the causes of war and the conditions for peace. Jarvis offers a lucid and highly critical appraisal of the rise and fall of postmodernism in the study of world politics."—American Political Science Review

"All who think seriously about the problems of international relations as a theoretical activity will benefit from this authoritative, hard-hitting critique. Dedicated dissidents will have to work hard to offer persuasive rebuttals."—K. J. Holsti, University of British Columbia

"This passionate, incisive, and astute review of some of the main postmodernist international relations theory offerings is a welcome addition to the literature. Although many will argue with the author's assessments, there is great merit in a book that refuses to pull its punches, and with whose author on wants to argue. A fine achievement. Highly recommended."—Roger D. Spegele, Monash University

"Jarvis rightly condemns a tendency among some postmodernists toward extreme relativism, bad jargon, and ideological posturing. All of us need to read this book while we evolve a more reflective empiricism divorced from claims of "science.""—Yale H. Ferguson, Rutgers University