International Relations
From Simmons Library Research Guides
We have selected these resources to help you find relevant information on your research topic. Please contact a librarian for help using the resources listed in this guide or for help with your research process.
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Reference and Background Information
Use the Simmons Eresource called [http://0-refuniv.odyssi.com.library.simmons.edu/ Reference Universe] to search for information about your topic in all of our Reference sources.
or, search for Reference sources that contain information about your specific research topic here:
You may also consult the resources below for overviews of the topic that you have chosen to research. Use these resources to help you to put your topic in context and give you the big picture of what information exists about your topic. These resources may have bibliographies at the end of each entry that can help further your research.
- Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics
Simmons Eresource
This resource provides coverage of political institutions, concepts, leaders, and thinkers worldwide.
- Critical Dictionary of Global Economics
Level 1 Reference HB61 .R68 1999
This source operates as both a dictionary and primer, putting modern economic theory into a global context. Economic theory is explained through essays and terminology is defined in entries that include graphs and tables.
- Dictionary of Globalization
Reference Level 1 JZ1318 .W86 2007
From the publisher: "A Dictionary of Globalization explains theories, philosophies and ideologies, and includes short biographies of leading activists, theorists and thinkers such as Noam Chomsky, Karl Marx and José Bové. Concepts, issues and terms key to the understanding of globalization also have clear and concise definitions, including democracy, civil society, non-governmental organizations and ethnicity." Entries are cross-referenced and an index is included.
- Encyclopedia of Government and Politics
Level 1 Reference JA61 .C66 2004
This two volume encyclopedia has critical essays written by scholars on political science topics. Some of the contents in volume one include Political Theory, Contemporary Ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, marxism etc.), and Political Systems. Volume two includes: Theories of Policy-Making, International Relations, and Issues in World Politics.
- Encyclopedia of International Development
Level 1 Reference HD82 .E547 2005
Discusses and defines the ideas, issues, and terminology behind developing nations and groups of people. Each entry provides a thorough definition, related vocabulary, and resources for more information. Entries are arranged alphabetically.
- Encyclopedia of International Political Economy
Level 1 Reference HF1359 .R68 2001
This is a three volume encyclopedia that focuses on how international affairs have been influenced by economic trends throughout history and contemporary times. The volumes contain maps and graphs, and each entry has recommended further readings listed.
- Europa World Year Book
Level 1 Reference JN1 .E85
This is an annually released, two volume yearbook. Volume 1 contains listings for approximately 1,900 organizations from around Europe, and volume 2 contains directory information for other nations around the world such as Zimbabwe.
- Facts on International Relations and Security Trends (FIRST)
Free Online
FIRST is a joint project of the International Relations and Security Network (ISN) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The integrated database system contains clearly documented information from research institutes around the world. It covers areas in the field of international relations and security, such as hard facts on armed conflicts and peace keeping.
- Greenwood Encyclopedia of International Relations
Level 1 Reference JZ1160 .N65 2002
A four volume encyclopedia set containing alphabetical by topic entries on the different nations, people, systems, political issues, organizations, and much more that have influenced the international world over history and in the modern world. Each volume also includes detailed maps.
- Handbook of International Relations
Level 1 Reference JZ1242 .H36 2002
This is a collection of essays and other analytical writings about the many issues that shape international relations in the modern day. The book is divided into three sections: historical, philosophical, and theoretical issues in international politics, concepts and context in international relations, and substantive issues in international relations. Sections include writings on specific topics such as international trade, and the environment.
- International Relations: A Political Dictionary
Level 1 Reference JX1226 .P55 1995
This is a dictionary of all of the terminology, ideas, influential figures, and organizations that relate to international relations. Rather than being organized alphabetically, the terms are arranged according to topics such as "war and military policy" and "international law."
- Oxford Companion to Politics of the World
Level 1 Reference JA61 .O95 2001
Formatted similarly to an encyclopedia, this extensive volume provides a guide to the policies, politics, foreign relations, and domestic policies of countries all over the world. Entries are quite detailed, and provide an examination of how these issues have influenced the world at large.
- Primary Resources in International Affairs (PRIA)
Free Online
Provides a comprehensive collection of primary source material relevant to international affairs. It features treaties, conventions, writings, speeches, declarations, letters and constitutions from all historical periods, ranging from ancient times to the present day.
- US Department of State Electronic Research Collection (ERC)
Free Online
The Department of State Foreign Affairs Network Electronic Research Collection contains historical materials from 1993 to the present. Included are Department of State publications, press releases, speeches, and information. Publications offered include background notes, climate action report, country commercial guides, country reports on economic policy and trade practices, country reports on human rights practices, defense trade news, diplomatic list, and more.
- Global Perspectives on the United States
Level 1 Reference E895 .G56 2007
The first two volumes of this book contain alphabetical listings of states and regions of the world - a typical entry includes a statistical snapshot, a brief overview of the history and the main entry on the respective country's attitude towards United States (with a local point of view). For those interested of obtaining more in-depth information on the world's opinion/attitude towards United States, the third volume contains essays written by the experts consulted for the first 2 volumes.
Conflict
- Alphabetical List of Battles, 1754-1900
Level 1 Reference E181 .S89
Provides complete listings of American battles from the Revolutionary War, the Spanish American War, battles with the Phillipines and China, and other battles from "old wars." Each listing provides dates, losses, injuries, and battle locations.
- Encyclopedia of Modern Ethnic Conflicts
Level 1 Reference GN496 .E56 2003
This resource provides information on 38 ethnic conflicts worldwide. Each conflict is presented with a timeline and an extensive essay that covers the conflict's historical background, management, and significance. Sources for further reading are also included.
- Encyclopedia of the Persian Gulf War
Level 1 Reference DS79.72 .S39 1998
This is an encyclopedia of all of the notable people, battles, weapons, objectives, and nations involved in the Persian Gulf War. Also included are maps, a detailed chronology, and an extensive bibliography.
- Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History
Level 1 Reference DS557.7 .E53 2000
An encyclopedia that covers not only the war and the major events relating to that war, but the history between Vietnam and the United States prior to the war. Entries are alphabetical by topic, and provide many relevant details, as well as further readings related to each topic.
- European Powers in the First World War
Level 1 Reference D510 .E97 1996
An encyclopedia that covers World War I from a European perspective. Provides entries about influential people and nations, important battles, and other important historical events of World War I.
- Oxford Companion to World War II
Level 1 Reference D740 .O94 1995
Aside from maps (some in color), timelines, and economic tables, this encyclopedia to World War II provides detailed definitions and explanations of the significant political structures, influential figures, battles, weaponry, and other terms and events related to World War II.
- Routledge Atlas of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Level 1 Reference G2236.S1 G55 2002
This atlas shows maps of the many Israeli and Palestinian territories, as well as other Middle Eastern regions. Within each map is detailed historical narrative explaining the conflicts, battles, territory lines, and other geographical features as they relate to this conflict.
Treaties and International Agreements
- Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements
Level 1 Reference JX1977 .O82 2003
Four volumes worth of information about the history, structure, organization, actions, and all other terminology related to the United Nations, and the treaties and agreements implemented by the United Nations.
- Great Debates at the United Nations
Level 1 Reference KZ4968 .G67 2001
Fifty significant United Nations debates from 1945-2000 are discussed in this book, including the India-Pakistan dispute, the Rwandan Civil War, and much more. Each entry includes a brief history, a discussion of the issue's significance, and the outcome, as well as further reading suggestions.
- International Instruments of the United Nations
Level 1 Reference JX1977.A49 I58 1997
This book is a collection of relevant full text United Nations agreements, charters, protocols, treaties, and much more from 1945-1995.
- Key Resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly
Level 1 Reference JX1977.A41 U56 1997
Covers important resolutions from the years 1946-1996, and provides full text of these resolutions. Resolutions are organized according to topics such as peace and security, and diplomatic missions.
- Major International Treaties of the Twentieth Century
Level 1 Reference JX121 .M35 2001
A two volume guide to treaties made between two or several nations during the twentieth century. Volume 1 covers up until 1945, and volume 2 covers nearly up until the present day. Treaties are organized under specific nations, and full text of many of the treaties is included.
- Major Peace Treaties of Modern History
Level 1 Reference JX121 .I8
This is a six volume reference set that provides full text of significant treaties from 1648 to 2000. All treaties are organized according to nations, specific topics (such as arms control), and wars, among other topics. Each volume covers a different year range.
- Treaties in Force
Level 1 Reference JX231 .U54
Finding Articles
Below are suggested databases and indexes for articles on the topic that you have chosen to research. These databases include articles from newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals. Articles are shorter and more narrowly focused than books or reference materials so you should use them after you have narrowed your topic.
- Columbia International Affairs Online (CIAO)
Simmons Eresource
The most comprehensive source for theory and research in international affairs. It publishes a wide range of scholarship that includes working papers from university research institutes, occasional papers series from NGOs, foundation-funded research projects, proceedings from conferences, books, journals and policy briefs. All sections are updated monthly.
- PAIS
Simmons Eresource
The PAIS International database from CSA contains references to more than 553,300 journal articles, books, government documents, statistical directories, grey literature, research reports, conference reports, publications of international agencies, microfiche, Internet material, and more. This resource includes publications from over 120 countries throughout the world. In addition to English, some of the indexed materials are published in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- Social Sciences Index
Simmons E-resource
A database of abstracts and full-text articles from several social science publications. Updated weekly.
- EJournal USA
Free Online
The U.S. Department of State International Information Programs publishes five electronic journals (Economic Perspectives, U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda, U.S. Society & Values, Global Issues, and Issues of Democracy) providing analysis, commentary, and background information in their thematic areas. They are searchable and fulltext.
- International Relations and Security Network (ISN) Publishing House
Free Online
The ISN Publishing House is a digital repository of over 12,000 freely accessible policy briefs, research papers, government reports and journal articles covering a broad range of IR and security-related topics.
- JSTOR
Simmons Eresource
JSTOR offers both multidisciplinary and discipline-specific collections. Provides full-text backfiles of many core scholarly journals, some dating back to the 1800s. However, JSTOR is not the database for current issues as it focuses on older journals.
- Project MUSE
Simmons Eresource
Offers nearly 250 quality journal titles from 40 scholarly publishers. As one of the academic community's primary electronic periodicals resources, Project MUSE covers the fields of literature and criticism, history, the visual and performing arts, cultural studies, education, political science, gender studies, economics, and many others. Project MUSE is setting the standard for scholarly electronic journals in the humanities and social science.
- Academic Search Complete
Simmons Eresource
Academic Search Complete is a great place to start your search for both popular and scholarly articles, no matter what your topic is! It contains journals from almost every topic and is designed specifically for academic institutions. It provides more than 5,300 full-text periodicals, 4,400 of which are peer-reviewed journals. This resource also features content as far back as 1865.
- Academic Onefile
Simmons Eresource
Academic Onefile contains 8,000 academic journals, the majority in full-text, available in HTML and PDF formats. In addition it contains hundreds of podcasts and transcripts from NPR, CNN, and the CBC.
- Expanded Academic ASAP
Simmons Eresource
From arts and the humanities to social sciences, science and technology, this database meets research needs across all academic disciplines. Access scholarly journals, news magazines, and newspapers - many with full text and images. Updated daily.
TIP: Use the Advanced Search for a more precise search!
Searching the Web
Simmons librarians have created a customized search engine that allows you to find International Relations information on the free web. Use the International Relations Google Custom Search box to search all select, quality free web sites at the same time:
You may also choose to go directly to, or bookmark, the International Relations Google Custom SearchTips for Searching the Internet:
- Use the advanced search function, which is available from most search engines:
- Google - See also "Advanced Search Tips"
- Ask - Click "Advanced." See also "Advanced Search Tips"
- Live (MSN) - See also "Options"
- Exalead - See also "Exalead FAQ"
- Yahoo! Search
- Limit your search to .edu and .gov sites. These often provide quality research, statistics, and commentary. Sites ending in .org often have good information, too, but are likely to espouse a strong stance or bias on the issues they cover and may not be objective.
- Try Scandoo, which presents search results from Google, Yahoo! Search, or Live (MSN) with an evaluation about the objectivity, credibility, and overall reliability of the site.
- Consider using a directory of pre-screened, annotated sites:
