POL 3080 Approaches to International Relations Introduction

Why Studying IR Theories? The broad picture about the driving forces of international relations; the continuity and change in IR; What is a theory -- is a depiction of the organization of a domain of activity and of the connections among its parts (Waltz, 1979); Good Theory simplifies complexity, so that complexity itself can be understood; The aim is to find central tendencies and single out propelling principle

What is an IR Theory? Theory is: A: related to the world about which explanations are wanted; B: It must, nonetheless, be recognized as distinct; C: Somewhat “removed from reality,” thus being distinct from a mere description.

Approaches to Studying IR Theories: Ontology and Epistemology Question: what do we know? Core Inquiry: whether there is a real world out there that is independent of our knowledge of it. Epistemology: Question: how do we know it? Core inquiry: whether we can discover the world through direct observation or there are some other relationships that are not directly observable.

Types of IR Theories I A: Scope -- strategic theories (deterrence, national security) -- grand theories (Morgenthau) -- middle range theories (alliances, cooperation, nationalism, etc) B: IR theories as debates Debate 1: Realism vs. Idealism (human nature) Debate 2: Behavioralism vs. Traditionalism (methods) Debate 3: Rationalism vs. constructivism and post-positivism (ontology and epistemology; also methods)

Types of IR Theories – Three Levels of Analysis Three levels/images/lenses of analysis. A simplifying framework; the explanation rests on various variables: I. Individual (leaders and human nature) II. State (gov’t, economy, demographics, political stability/system, resources) III. International System (anarchy, sovereign states, distribution of power, international institutions)

Organization and Structure of the Class I Themes and variables approach (e.g. Classical Readings) vs. frameworks approach Modification of the “Greco-Roman” three pillar approach (Walt): --Realism – human nature (a.k.a. classical), neo-realism (offensive and defensive) -- Liberal and neo-liberal approaches (globalization, DPT, institutionalism) -- Constructivism (conventional and critical)

Organization and Structure of the Class II The III-pillar format is traditional and most popular; Also included: Individual/ cognitive explanations organizational and bureaucratic theories Marxism and dependency theories English School NOT included: middle-range issue-specific theories dealing with int’l political economy, alliances, security war and conflict, cooperation, etc) Approaches to IR lay the foundation for various explanations in all sub-fields/ focus fields of IR