CHOICE Magazine Picks Schmidt’s Book to Win Award

NEW PALTZ — A unique examination of international relations from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century by State University of New York at New Paltz faculty member Brian C. Schmidt, was chosen as an Outstanding Academic Book by CHOICE magazine, which reviews publications for academic libraries.

Schmidt’s book, The Political Discourse of Anarchy: A Disciplinary History of International Relations, was one of nine titles published by the State University of New York Press that were selected for the highly competitive scholarly book list. Schmidt is an assistant professor in the department of political science and international relations.

“The titles on this prestigious list are selected according to criteria that include excellence in scholarship and presentation, significance with regard to other literature in the field, and recognition as an important, often first, treatment of a specific subject in print or electronic format,” said Irving E. Rockwood, editor & publisher, CHOICE magazine.

The Political Discourse of Anarchy: A Disciplinary History of International Relations, demonstrates the fallacy of commonly held assumptions about the field of international relations from the mid-19th century to the outbreak of World War II. The book contributes to current debates about the identity of international relations and political science and shows how earlier discourse relates to the contemporary study of war and peace, international security, organization, governance and law.

Schmidt, who holds a Ph.D. in political science, has published several related articles and papers.