Theories of International Relations

Generally speaking, International Relations Theory worked around Idealism and Realism.  How far is this statement true?

INTRODUCTION:

Theory is an integral part in the study of International Relations. It  is the study of International Relation from a theoretical perspective, which attempt to provide a conceptual frame work upon which International Relation can be analyze.

International relations theory attempts to provide a conceptual model upon which international relations can be analyzed.  Each theory is reductive and essential to different degrees, relying on different set assumptions respectively.  Theories are paradigms or models of interpretation in the context of International Relations; as Ole Holsti describes them, international relations theories act as a pair of coloured sunglasses, allowing the wearer to see only the salient events relevant to the theory…. An adherent of realism may completely disregard and even that a constructivist might pounce upon as crucial, and vice versa.

A Theory is a set of interrelated concepts definition and proposition that explains or predicts events or situations that by specifying relations among variables.  The notion of generality, or broad application, is important.  Thus, theories are by their nature abstract and not content or topic specific.  Even though various theoretical models of social behaviour, many reflect some general ideas each theories employs a unique vocabulary to articulate the specific factors considered to be important. Theories varies in the extent to which they have been conceptually developed and empirically tested, however, “testability” is an important feature of a theory.  As Stephen Turner has noted in his chapter on “theory development”. Social science theories are better understood as models that work in a limited range of setting, rather than laws of science which holds and apply universally. 

Theories in International Relation includes:

i.                   Realism

ii.                 Pluralism

iii.              Globalism

iv.              Marxism

v.                 Neo-realism

vi.              Idealism

vii.            Dependencies

viii.         International Political Economy (IPE)

ix.              Stateism

x.                 Liberalism etc

The importance of theory in scholarly investigation cannot be over emphasized. Theories therefore broaden intellectual horizons and immensely enhance scientific innovations.  Some elements of scientific methodology have been adopted, and with the aid of theories a lot of events are analysed and predicted with high degree confidence.

Some relevance of Theories in the study of International Relations thus,

i.                   It helps in the understanding of occurrences

ii.                 It facilitates description, explanation and prediction.

iii.              Theory gives a researcher a sense of purpose and direction towards achieving its objectives

iv.              It helps us to explain why sovereign state believes or act the way they should

v.                 It assists in understanding the real motive or rational behind the behaviour of nation states in their dealings with one another.

vi.              They are potent mechanism for understanding why and how international actors act the way they do

vii.            It helps us predict the outcome of event or issues.  It can therefore be said that political scientist develop theories in order to understand the causes of events that occur in international relations.

    viii.         Subsequently, Subsequently, theory provides a sense of direction to proceed systematically from one step to another toward achieving an objective or getting at the truth about a phenomenon.

    ix.  As regards International Relations, theory helps in giving ideas that explains how the International system operates.  Unlike an ideology, a theory of international relations is (at least in principle) backed up with concrete evidence.  The two major theories of International Relations are

i.        Realism and,

ii.       Liberalism

Note: 1. practical applications or merely classification of thinking in International Relation enables one to rise above observation of specific events and offers us understanding of occurrence. Furthermore, theory facilitates description, explanation and predictions. 

Note: 2. Most theories of International Relations are based on the idea that states always act in accordance with their national interest. 

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