The International Studies Encyclopedia

This massive effort offers a one-stop resource for both students and academics to the wealth of topics and disciplines of the field. Topics range from counterintelligence, methods of foreign policy analysis, and the geography of diplomacy, to global indigenous rights and responses, and feminist ethics in international relations. The essays are arranged alphabetically, but the material is usefully sub-categorized and introduced in section introductions presented in Vol.1. The heading of the section introduction lists all the essays that fall within the realm of their topic, notifying the reader of the often diverse areas in which the topic occur. The body of the introduction describes the scope of the topic as well as the content of each of the essays listed. In this way, students new to the subject have a clear guide to what might otherwise be an overwhelming amount--12 volumes worth--of material. The essays themselves present a thorough overview of the topic, describing not only the history of its development, but the varying interpretations or controversies ongoing in the field. The encyclopedia is notable for the thoroughness of coverage, with a wealth of references cited and discussed in each essay, and the credentials of its contributors. Each essay concludes with a full list of references, a list of online resources, and a note on the author. Vol.12 is a comprehensive index volume and each volume contains a table of contents. Denemark (U. of Delaware) has done a laudable job of overseeing this fine reference work, which was sorely needed in the field. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

A group of scholars and practitioners founded the International Studies Association (ISA) in 1959 to pursue mutual interests in international studies. Representing eighty countries, ISA has over three thousand members worldwide and is the most respected and widely known scholarly association in this field.

Geographic subdivisions of ISA, called Regions, provide opportunities to exchange ideas and research with local colleagues. Over twenty special interest groups, called Sections, offer additional contact between members interested in specific areas within the field of international studies. Together, these Regions and Sections allow the creation communities of scholars dedicated to international studies.

ISA's international conferences and annual convention attract scholars from all over the world. ISA cooperates with 53 international studies organizations in 32 countries, and is a member of the International Social Science Council, and has nongovernmental consultative status with the United Nations.

ISA's journals help define the field and showcase the research of our members. The International Studies Quarterly (ISQ) started in conjunction with the Association as its flagship journal. With a broad interdisciplinary and multinational perspective, the International Studies Review (ISR) tracks worldwide trends, synthesizing theory and literature in the field. International Studies Perspectives began publication in 2000 and is focused on teaching, research, and the state of the profession. ISA's most recent journal, Foreign Policy Analysis, provides a peer-reviewed outlet for the highest quality academic research into the processes, outcomes and theories of foreign policy.