International Relations Theory A New Introduction Chapter 1 Why Theorize International Relations?

Why Theory? This chapter seeks answers to questions such as: If the objective is to understand international relations, then what can theory do for us? What is the added value of theoretical reflection? What is Theory? What is Meta-theory?

Why Theory? Five key sets of reasons Research guidance Excellent tool to challenge prejudices or traditional world views Theory makes it easier to grasp the modern world Theory can play an important role when we want to evaluate political practice International Relations is a discipline defined by its theories, therefore knowledge of “its theories” is a precondition for becoming acquainted to the discipline

What is Theory? S. Burchill (2001): The term “theory” is not limited to its “scientific” or positivist formulations Explanatory theories of the kind which flow from the adoption of a positivist methodology, are only one type of international theory Several avenues of theorizing; see C. Brown (1997) Explanatory Theories Normative or Prescriptive Theories Interpretative Theories

What is Meta-theory? Theoretical reflections on theory! Key aspects of Meta-theory: Ontology Epistemology Agent-Structure Problem Level-of-Analysis

John Vasquez´ set of criteria ‘Good’ theories should be: accurate falsifiable capable of evincing great explanatory power progressive as opposed to degenerating in terms of their research programme(s) consistent with what is known in other areas appropriately parsimonious and elegant (Vasquez 1995: 230)

Theoretical Traditions To achieve an adequate balance between inclusion and exclusion, this book offers six theoretical traditions: International Political Theory International Liberalism Political Realism The International Society Tradition International Political Economy The Post-Positivist Tradition

Currents of Thought Individual currents are part of a tradition but more specific and dynamic than traditions Examples: In International Society Tradition: pluralism and solidarism In Realism: classical realism, neorealism and post-neorealism In Liberalism: strong and weak liberalism; ideational, republican and commercial liberal theory (A. Moravcsik); neoliberal institutionalism, republican and commercial liberalism (R. Keohane)

Six Theoretical Debates Inter-tradition and intra-tradition debates Numbers 1-3 represent intra-tradition debates Numbers 4-6 represent inter-tradition debates

Theorists & Do-It-Yourself Theory Theoretical traditions, currents of thought and specific individual theories can be presented in three different fashions: As a kind of pre-given complex structure of ideas As creation of one or more individuals and as accomplished in a specific context of time and space As Do-It-Yourself Theorizing: Theory builder vs. Theory consumer

What is the field of international relations? Some theorists define IR narrowly as simply relations between units (states) in the international system are more inclusive in terms of both actors & relations, focus on inter-state, inter-society & state-society relations include inter-region relations, relations between states and international organizations or economic relations The nature of international relations is historically contingent