In the first chapter, The Making of the Modern World, by Eric Ringmar, the emergence of the norm of sovereignty is examined as a foundational development toward the Westphalian system of nation-states that emerged in Europe. I did not see any factual errors. Stephen McGlinchey has brought together a fantastic collection of authors who together present a wide-ranging, critical and accessible introduction to International Relations. Website Sahil Mathur is a PhD candidate in International Relations and an adjunct instructor at the School of International Service, American University. Ringmar then focuses upon how this system was universalized over centuries via European imperialist conquests and colonialism. I think the book would be better if there was a more concerted effort to integrate. We'll see exactly how much effort is required when I begin developing the syllabus for next semester. Foundations of International Relations delivers a comprehensive explanation of International Relations that includes a thorough introduction to critical theories and non-western viewpoints alongside established IR theories and narratives. Reviewed by Emily Channell-Justice, Visiting Assistant Professor, Miami University of Ohio on 6/20/17, The book is presented as a beginner's guide to International Relations and in this way is comprehensive in its presentation of basic issues relevant to the subject. Possibly, below stuffs can be added: democratic peace theory, capitalist peace theory, domestic audience costs, power transition theory, etc. Possibly, below stuffs can be added: democratic peace theory, capitalist peace theory, domestic audience costs, power transition theory, etc. As mentioned previously, the inclusion pre-state history that focus on Europe only, makes one wonder about areas outside of Europe. The textbook is comprehensive in range of concepts it covers. Moving away from a purely European perspective, students will gain an understanding of traditional ideas about international organisation, whilst also appreciating how issues such as COVID and food security are truly international in scope. This is of course always depends on one's perspective but from what I could tell, it seems accurate. This is an archaic way of teaching and learning about the world. The authors are clear in their presentation but they have watered down their approach so much that the text lacks conceptual clarity. This is good for a smarter, more experienced reader, but it's a problem for most novice readers. While the basic information conveyed in each chapter will remain relevant, I would want to know the editor's intentions for updating the text before implementing it in a course. This is especially useful given the previously noted inconsistency in quality across chapters. The 2016 free edition can be used as a textbook but the textbook has been updated, but the update is no longer free. Moving away from a purely European perspective, students will gain an understanding of traditional ideas about International Organisation, whilst also appreciating how issues such as COVID and food security are truly international in scope. The accuracy varies from chapter to chapter. It would have been nice to get some more introductory concepts from some of the later chapters such as levels of analysis and actors before addressing one particular foreign policy tool. Potential users may want to be aware that the text is designed to flow in a certain order, so in most cases rearranging chapters out-of-order would not be advised. My sense is that this omission emerges from its European perspective. The differences between and respective functions of inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations is explicated. While it employs British spelling and phrasing in places, this should enhance the experience of American students for whom it is unfamiliar. These text's underlying theme (obvious though never explicitly stated) is that of globalization as a cause of peace.