Rational choice is the dominant theoretical approach in political science in North America and one of the main contending approaches elsewhere. This major new text provides a clear and accessible introduction assuming no prior knowledge and providing a uniquely fair-minded assessment of both the strengths and limitations of the approach. Truly international in scope and in its choice of examples, it provides broad-ranging coverage of the areas in which rational choice has been widely used and in-depth coverage of the main works of its key protagonists.

ANDREW HINDMOOR is Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Queensland, Australia.

"A very accessible introduction to rational choice theory and to the work of key scholars within this tradition. Unusually balanced and thoughtful in its approach, it highlights both the strengths and limits of rational choice not only in particular substantive areas but, with striking originality, in terms of its philosophical underpinnings."--Jack Knight, Washington University, St. Louis
"A very thorough and accessible introduction that will be welcomed for its careful and clear exposition of the ideas of key contributors to the field and of the developments and controversies to which their ideas have given rise."--Brian Barry, London School of Economics