---
product_id: 4202598
title: "Theory of International Politics"
price: "R1396"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 11
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/4202598-theory-of-international-politics
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# 4.4/5 rating from 131 reviews Top #16 in International Relations Classic IR theory cornerstone Theory of International Politics

**Price:** R1396
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌍 Unlock the blueprint of global power dynamics with Waltz’s classic!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Theory of International Politics
- **How much does it cost?** R1396 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/4202598-theory-of-international-politics)

## Best For

- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
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## Key Features

- • **Proven Popularity:** Ranked #16 in International Relations books, trusted by thousands worldwide.
- • **Academic Credibility:** A must-have for doctoral candidates and IR professionals seeking structural insights.
- • **Accessible Yet Profound:** Clear, eloquent prose makes complex geopolitical structures approachable.
- • **Timeless Realism Framework:** Dive into the foundational theory shaping modern international politics.
- • **Insightful Economic Analogies:** Waltz’s unique approach connects politics with economic theory for deeper understanding.

## Overview

Theory of International Politics by Kenneth N. Waltz is a seminal work in international relations, offering a rigorous structural realist perspective. Despite being published in the late 1970s, it remains highly relevant for understanding the architecture of global politics, ranked #16 in its category with a strong 4.4-star rating. This used copy in good condition is perfect for students, academics, and professionals eager to grasp the enduring principles of international political structure.

## Description

desertcart.com: Theory of International Politics: 8601410272838: Kenneth N. Waltz: Books

Review: Classic articulation of realism - The e-textbook format was less nimble than a regular Kindle e-book. Much of the core conceptual work is over two generations old and Waltz praises bipolarity with only passing regard for the Third World proxy conflicts that geopolitical maneuvering inspired, funded, and oversaw. He seems tone deaf to the foreign policy costs borne of the Vietnam War misadventure. Still, I found his opening chapters on the robustnes of theory insightful and his economic analogies throughoout very useful This was the first book that I have read as a doctoral candidate.
Review: A must-read book for the students of International Relations - I bought this classical work, because I was interested in the structural realism and its main theoretical tenets. Although the book was written in the late 1970s, I still find the volume very relevant if one is interested – like me – to better understand the structural realist thought. (One could of course criticize Waltz for not discussing unipolarity at a greater length (instead we find a rather long discussion on multipolarity and bipolarity), but the book still has many interesting insights relevant for the modern world.) Waltz is very clear about that he is not providing a theory of foreign policy; he is interested in the workings of international politics and his explicit aim is to provide a general theory of international politics. One does not have to agree with Waltz’s arguments, but one surely can agree that it is an accessible, eloquent and persuasive work on the role of structure in the international politics. In my opinion it is a must-read volume for anyone who is interested in the international politics.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #141,470 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #7 in International Relations (Books) #666 in International & World Politics (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (134) |
| Dimensions  | 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches |
| Edition  | 1st |
| ISBN-10  | 1577666704 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-1577666707 |
| Item Weight  | 1 pounds |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 256 pages |
| Publication date  | February 5, 2010 |
| Publisher  | Waveland Press |

## Images

![Theory of International Politics - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DEFuScgKL.jpg)
![Theory of International Politics - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515hQ1yVRjL.jpg)
![Theory of International Politics - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41jNDsBeYmL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Classic articulation of realism
*by S***S on August 30, 2025*

The e-textbook format was less nimble than a regular Kindle e-book. Much of the core conceptual work is over two generations old and Waltz praises bipolarity with only passing regard for the Third World proxy conflicts that geopolitical maneuvering inspired, funded, and oversaw. He seems tone deaf to the foreign policy costs borne of the Vietnam War misadventure. Still, I found his opening chapters on the robustnes of theory insightful and his economic analogies throughoout very useful This was the first book that I have read as a doctoral candidate.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must-read book for the students of International Relations
*by P***N on December 8, 2013*

I bought this classical work, because I was interested in the structural realism and its main theoretical tenets. Although the book was written in the late 1970s, I still find the volume very relevant if one is interested – like me – to better understand the structural realist thought. (One could of course criticize Waltz for not discussing unipolarity at a greater length (instead we find a rather long discussion on multipolarity and bipolarity), but the book still has many interesting insights relevant for the modern world.) Waltz is very clear about that he is not providing a theory of foreign policy; he is interested in the workings of international politics and his explicit aim is to provide a general theory of international politics. One does not have to agree with Waltz’s arguments, but one surely can agree that it is an accessible, eloquent and persuasive work on the role of structure in the international politics. In my opinion it is a must-read volume for anyone who is interested in the international politics.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Book
*by K***S on July 8, 2024*

Great Product

## Frequently Bought Together

- Theory of International Politics
- The Tragedy of Great Power Politics

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*Last updated: 2026-04-23*