The book is written for active learners – those keen on cutting their own path through the complex and at times hardly comprehensible world of THEORY in International Relations. Learning and studying is an active process that requires a great deal of self-organization. To aid this process as much as possible, this book employs the didactical and methodical concept of integrating teaching and self-study. It will do so by offering a structured concept for learning about theories of International Relations, the application of which will be demonstrated in the book. The intention behind this concept is to enable students to subsequently apply the concept themselves when learning about theory and theories of International Relations. In an attempt to be as learner-oriented as possible, the book will offer advice and guidance on studying IR theory by integrating self-study instructions throughout the text. The book also requires readiness to look at phenomena from different perspectives, to critically question teaching and learning contents and to actively engage in critical debates and share knowledge. In order to meet these learning challenges adequately, readers should expect to set aside at least twice as much time for self-study as they will spend reading the book.