Class, States and International Relations : a critical appraisal of Robert Cox and neo-Gramscian international relations theory

The neo-Gramscian perspective, pioneered by Robert Cox, has made an important contribution to the development of critical International Relations theory since the early-1980s. Robert Cox and Neo-Gramscian International Relations Theory provides a Marxist critique of Cox and the neo-Gramscians that both addresses their shortcomings and offers an alternative explanation of world order change. Budd proves that this is all the more relevant in the current period of war and crisis, when the international dimensions of social existence continue to exercise... This book provides an outline and a critique of neo-Gramscian international relations theory, from a Marxist perspective. Focusing on the pioneering work of Robert Cox, but also drawing on the wider neo-Gramscian literature, this book presents a comprehensive account of neo-Gramscian international relations theory. It highlights the neo-Gramscian critique of mainstream Realist theory and the theoretical innovations that resulted from the mobilisation of Gramsci's ideas and Cox's emphasis on the social forces underpinning forms of state and world orders. The author explains how this is especially relevant in the current period of war and crisis, when the international dimensions of social existence continue to exercise a major influence over ‘domestic'politics and economics, and when the interest in Marxism can be expected to grow. The book continues to provide a critique of the neo-Gramscians and of what the author argues is their one-sided reading of Gramsci. Placing coercion at the centre of a mode of production analysis of world order, the author elaborates a Marxist alternative to neo-Gramscianism that provides more robust explanations of world order dynamics and change.Using a combination of IR theory and historical explanation, including of contemporary world order dynamics and US power, this book will appeal to both students and scholars of International Relations, international studies, and international history. Cover Class, States and International Relations Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Acknowledgements List of abbreviations Introduction PART I Robert Cox and neo-Gramscian theory 1 Robert Cox and the origins of the neo-Gramscian perspective 2 Production, Power, and World Order: Cox’s operationalization of neo-Gramscian theory 3 Transnationalization: The latest stage of capitalism? PART II Critique 4 Marxism, Gramsci and International Relations 5 Production, Power, and World Order: A critique 6 Transnationalism: A critique Conclusion Bibliography Index The neo-Gramscian perspective, pioneered by Robert Cox, has made an important contribution to the development of critical International Relations theory since the early-1980s. Robert Cox and Neo-Gramscian International Relations Theory provides a Marxist critique of Cox and the neo-Gramscians that both addresses their shortcomings and offers an alternative explanation of world order change. Budd proves that this is all the more relevant in the current period of war and crisis, when the international dimensions of social existence continue to exercise .. "This book provides both an outline and a critique of neo-Gramscian international relations theory, from a Marxist perspective"-- Provided by publisher