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Waltz's Theory of Theory
WALTZ’S THEORY OF THEORY 201 Waltz’s Theory of Theory Ole Wæver Abstract Waltz’s 1979 book, Theory of International Politics, is the most infl uential in the history of the discipline. It worked its effects to a large extent through raising the bar for what counted as theoretical work, in effect reshaping not only realism but rivals like liberalism and refl ectivism. Yet, ironically, there has been little attention paid to Waltz’s very explicit and original arguments about the nature of theory. This article explores and explicates Waltz’s theory of theory. Central attention is paid to his defi nition of theory as ‘a picture, mentally formed’ and to the radical anti-empiricism and anti-positivism of his position. Followers and critics alike have treated Waltzian neorealism as if it was at bottom a formal proposition about cause–effect relations. The extreme case of Waltz being so victorious in the discipline, and yet being so consistently misinterpreted on the question of theory, shows the power of a dominant philosophy of science in US IR, and thus the challenge facing any ambitious theorising. The article suggests a possible movement of fronts away from the ‘fourth debate’ between rationalism and refl ectivism towards one of theory against empiricism. To help this new agenda, the article introduces a key literature from the philosophy of science about the structure of theory, and particularly about the way even natural science uses theory very differently from the way IR’s mainstream thinks it does – and much more like the way Waltz wants his theory to be used. -
Constructivism Meets Critical Realism
466572EJT20210.1177/1354066112466572European Journal of International Relations2012Fiaz EJIR Article European Journal of International Relations Constructivism meets critical 2014, Vol. 20(2) 491 –515 © The Author(s) 2012 realism: Explaining Pakistan’s Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav state practice in the DOI: 10.1177/1354066112466572 ejt.sagepub.com aftermath of 9/11 Nazya Fiaz National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan Abstract This article investigates the theoretical added-value of critical realist incursions into International Relations constructivism. While constructivism focuses on providing multi- causal explanations, its conceptual horizon and subsequent methodological framework fundamentally obscure and limit the opportunity to conceptualize social dialectic and multi-causality in world politics. In this respect, a critical realist meta-theory can provide constructivism with a greatly expanded conceptual framework that transcends material–ideational divisions, and a framework that is able to envision more clearly the process of social dialectic. Second, critical realism affords a methodological diversity that can withstand simultaneous constructivist investigations into the material, agential, ideational, or structural. Using the synthesis of critical realism and constructivism, I illustrate by way of example by employing Pakistan’s participation in the ‘war on terror’ as a case study. While constructivism can show that Pakistan’s role in the war on terror was preceded by a legitimizing narrative, it is a critical realist depth analysis that sheds new light on how a complex social reality was achieved through the convergence of multi-causal explanatory factors. Keywords Agency, constructivism, critical realism, discourse, meta-theory, multi-causality, Pakistan, social dialectic, structure, war on terror, world politics Corresponding author: Nazya Fiaz, Department of International Relations, National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan. -
A Brief Overview of Alexander Wendt's Constructivism Written by Zhan Mengshu
A Brief Overview of Alexander Wendt's Constructivism Written by Zhan Mengshu This PDF is auto-generated for reference only. As such, it may contain some conversion errors and/or missing information. For all formal use please refer to the official version on the website, as linked below. A Brief Overview of Alexander Wendt's Constructivism https://www.e-ir.info/2020/05/19/a-brief-overview-of-alexander-wendts-constructivism/ ZHAN MENGSHU, MAY 19 2020 For decades, the theory of International Relations was dominated by two approaches: realism and liberalism. Constructivism had been marginalized by these mainstream theories because it focused on social construction instead of material construction (Barkin, 2017). The turning point came late in the 1980s as the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War made people reconsider the explanatory ability of mainstream theories (Hopf, 1998). Consequently, a new debate emerged. Under this, the development of Alexander Wendt’s constructivist theory gained attention in academia and began to stand out (Lapid, 2007). Wendt published ‘Anarchy is What States Make of It: The Social Construction of Power Politics’ in 1992. In this paper he revealed the limitation of the concept of anarchy from the neorealist and neoliberal theories in explaining international relations (Wendt, 1992). In 1999 he further developed the theory in Social Theory of International Politics. In the book, Wendt opened up a moderate lane in the development of constructivist theory (Guzzin & Leander, 2001) and essentially created a ‘thin’ constructivism. That is, Wendt recognizes the main points of materialism and individualism, as well as a scientific methods of social inquiry. -
271 Sorensen
Copyright © British International Studies Association 1998 IR theory after the Cold War GEORG SØRENSEN The end of the Cold War has prompted a good deal of soul-searching in the academic discipline of International Relations (IR).* Some results of this process are already apparent; the dominant version of realism, neorealism, is developing in new directions in an attempt to address major areas where the theory has been shown to contain weaknesses (e.g. domestic politics, international cooperation, the analysis of change).1 Liberal IR-theory is becoming less focused on international institutions and has devoted more attention to the larger issues of democracy and democratization, sovereignty, and change in the context of modernization and globalization.2 Some bodies of established theory are receiving fresh attention, including the International Society (or English) School,3 and there is a renewed interest in the field of international political economy.4 Yet all these theoretical traditions (realism, liberalism, International Society, international political economy) can be seen as enduring perspectives in IR; they build on a long intellectual tradition concerning problems of relations between * Many thanks to Kenneth Glarbo, Knud Erik Jørgensen, Michael Nicholson, Steve Smith, and Alexander Wendt for very helpful comments on earlier drafts. 1 See, for example, Joseph M. Grieco, ‘Realist International Theory and the Study of World Politics’, in M.W. Doyle and G.J. Ikenberry (eds.), New Thinking in International Relations Theory (Boulder, 1997), pp. 163–202; Michael E. Brown et al. (eds.), The Perils of Anarchy. Contemporary Realism and International Security (Cambridge, MA, 1995); John A. Vasquez, ‘The Realist Paradigm and Degenerative versus Progressive Research Programs: An Appraisal of Neotraditional Research on Waltz’s Balancing Proposition’, and the responses by Kenneth Waltz, Thomas Christensen, and Jack Snyder, Colin and Miriam Fendius Elman, Randall Schweller and Stephen Walt, American Political Science Review, 4 (1997), pp. -
Constructivism and Reflectivism As the Logical Counterparts in Tesol: Learning Theory Versus Teaching Methodology
CONSTRUCTIVISM AND REFLECTIVISM AS THE LOGICAL COUNTERPARTS IN TESOL: LEARNING THEORY VERSUS TEACHING METHODOLOGY Abdullah al Mahmud ([email protected]) Monash University, Malaysia (Sunway Campus) 2 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor Abstract: The gist of the entire constructivist learning theory is that learners are self-builders of their learning that occurs through a mental process in a social context or communication setting, and teachers as facilitators gener- ate learning by creating the expected environment and/or utilizing the pro- cess. This article theoretically proves reflectivism as the logical counterpart of constructivism through establishing their complete interdependence and then suggests certain strategies of reflection to be used in language teaching for ensuring the best possible constructivist learning of language learners. In doing so, the basic tenets of constructivism and reflective thoughts are elab- orated, examining their mutual connection thoroughly in terms of construc- tivist recommendations. The research also focuses on three case studies to depict how the theory of constructivist learning principles comes into prac- tice through judicious reviews or reflective process. Keywords: constructivism, reflectivism, learning theory, teaching methodology Tell me, I’ll forget Show me, I’ll remember Involve me, I’ll understand - Confucius, 551 BC - 479 BC, Chinese Philosopher 237 238 TEFLIN Journal, Volume 24, Number 2, July 2013 With the present trend of teaching coming closer to learners, the ideas like con- structivist learning and reflective teaching are becoming more and more rele- vant and accepted as a norm in education. While constructivism basically deals with the learners’ part, reflectivism comes up with the practical method of bringing it into teaching. -
The Theory of the Firm and the Theory of the International Economic Organization: Toward Comparative Institutional Analysis Joel P
Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business Volume 17 Issue 1 Winter Winter 1997 The Theory of the Firm and the Theory of the International Economic Organization: Toward Comparative Institutional Analysis Joel P. Trachtman Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/njilb Part of the International Trade Commons Recommended Citation Joel P. Trachtman, The Theory of the Firm and the Theory of the International Economic Organization: Toward Comparative Institutional Analysis, 17 Nw. J. Int'l L. & Bus. 470 (1996-1997) This Symposium is brought to you for free and open access by Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business by an authorized administrator of Northwestern University School of Law Scholarly Commons. The Theory of the Firm and the Theory of the International Economic Organization: Toward Comparative Institutional Analysis Joel P. Trachtman* Without a theory they had nothing to pass on except a mass of descriptive material waiting for a theory, or a fire. 1 While the kind of close comparative institutional analysis which Coase called for in The Nature of the Firm was once completely outside the universe of mainstream econo- mists, and remains still a foreign, if potentially productive enterrise for many, close com- parative analysis of institutions is home turf for law professors. Hierarchical arrangements are being examined by economic theorists studying the or- ganization of firms, but for less cosmic purposes than would be served3 by political and economic organization of the production of international public goods. I. INTRODUCrION: THE PROBLEM Debates regarding the competences and governance of interna- tional economic organizations such as the World Trade Organization * Associate Professor of International Law, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. -
The Emergence of Human Security: a Constructivist View
International Journal of Peace Studies, Volume 14, Number 2, Autumn/Winter 2009 THE EMERGENCE OF HUMAN SECURITY: A CONSTRUCTIVIST VIEW Yu-tai Tsai Abstract In response to the end of the Cold War and the increasing pace of globalization, the concept of human security has taken on greater importance in international relations. This article argues that while conventional approaches to security studies focus on security community or security culture, the constructivist perspective offers additional conceptual tools through its insight into the issues of human consciousness, national identity, and interest formation. Hence, various phenomena of importance to international society can be better understood by applying the insights of constructivism to the concept of human security. The main purpose of this article is to explore human security as elucidated by the constructivist perspective. In light of this analysis, specific issues will be examined, including the relationship between human security and constructivism, the interpretation of human security by constructivist scholars, and the implications of human security for constructivism. ―The state remains the fundamental purveyor of security. Yet it often fails to fulfill its security obligations….That is why attention must now shift from the security of the state to the security of the people—to human security. ‖ —Commission on Human Security, 2003 20 The Emergence of Human Security Introduction The end of the Cold War and the increasing pace of globalization have given rise to fundamental changes in many of the paradigms employed in the social sciences. Amongst the various new ideas which have emerged, ―human security‖ has become somewhat of a buzzword. -
Political Science in Motion and JEAN-FREDERIC MORIN R a E M D I O T N I a O
Political Science in Motion_Political Science in Motion 16/11/15 10:52 Page1 This book examines recent developments in political science research. What n EDITIONS DE L’UNIVERSITE DE BRUXELLES o are the new influences to which the discipline opens itself up? Is political i t science research converging towards a single model or splitting into different N N o st I streams? What are the new challenges at the beginning of the 21 century? By A R M M addressing these questions, this collection of essays discusses three O O M C n interrelated topics: the relationship between political science and the C i A I problems of politics, the relationship between political science and other N R e E fields of research, and the transformation of the profession. In so doing, this O D c M E volume traces the major trends in contemporary political science research A n R R F e - since the end of the Cold War. Y i N B A c D E J E S As part of this approach, the authors rely on the academic journals as a field T D I l of investigation. Each of the eight chapters focuses on a different journal, N D Political Science a A E c including the American Political Science Review , West European Politics, the i t British Political Science Review , Security Dialogue , the Journal of Common i l Market Studies , International Security , Electoral Studies and the Revue o in Motion française de science politique . n P o i The book is intended to scholars with an interest in the historiography of t political science, the epistemology of knowledge, the sociology of the o M EDITED BY profession as well as the evolution of the field in terms of research agendas, theoretical approaches and methodological debates. -
Fluid Identities: Toward a Critical Security of Water
Western University Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository 9-27-2013 12:00 AM Fluid Identities: Toward a Critical Security of Water Cameron Harrington The University of Western Ontario Supervisor Dr. Erika Simpson The University of Western Ontario Graduate Program in Political Science A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the equirr ements for the degree in Doctor of Philosophy © Cameron Harrington 2013 Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd Part of the International Relations Commons Recommended Citation Harrington, Cameron, "Fluid Identities: Toward a Critical Security of Water" (2013). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 1716. https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/1716 This Dissertation/Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Scholarship@Western. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository by an authorized administrator of Scholarship@Western. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FLUID IDENTITIES: TOWARD A CRITICAL SECURITY OF WATER MONOGRAPH by Cameron Harrington Graduate Program in Political Science A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies The University of Western Ontario London, Ontario, Canada © Cameron Harrington 2013 Abstract Water wars are coming! Water is the defining security threat of the 21st century! The future belongs to the water-rich! These types of warnings are frequently proclaimed, urging attention to looming water conflict, which will occur as stores of freshwater diminish in both quality and quantity. Yet the issue of water security is far more complex than as an inevitable source of future violent conflict. -
Neorealism and Neoliberal Institutionalism: Born of the Same Approach? Written by Alexander Whyte
Neorealism and neoliberal institutionalism: born of the same approach? Written by Alexander Whyte This PDF is auto-generated for reference only. As such, it may contain some conversion errors and/or missing information. For all formal use please refer to the official version on the website, as linked below. Neorealism and neoliberal institutionalism: born of the same approach? https://www.e-ir.info/2012/06/11/neorealism-and-neoliberal-institutionalism-born-of-the-same-approach/ ALEXANDER WHYTE, JUN 11 2012 Neorealism and neoliberal institutionalism are simply manifestations of the same approach. Discuss. Introduction The debate between neorealism and neoliberal institutionalism has dominated International Relations (IR) theory, particularly in the United States. The ‘neo-neo’ debate has brought much contention between the scholars of IR, equally the two schools of thought have been considered by many to be remarkably similar. In the first part of this essay I will outline the framework of the ‘neo-neo’ debate, discussing the fundamental points of contention between neorealism and neoliberal institutionalism. Two prominent Institutionalists, Robert Keohane and Lisa Martin (1995), have suggested that “for better or for worse institutional theory is a half-sibling of neo-realism” (Keohane & Martin, 1995, cited in Lamy, 2005, p.215). The study of IR has experienced dramatic change as the foundational epistemology has been criticized by post-modern theorists who attack the underlying assumptions of positivism. As post-positivists are simply united through their opposition to the positivist movement, it is not a clean two-sided debate. In the second part of this essay I will highlight the fundamental similarities that bring neorealism and neoliberal institutionalism under the theoretical umbrella of rationalism, whilst comparing the rationalist position to the recently surfaced reflectivism. -
The Sociology of a Not So International Discipline: American and European Developments in International Relations Ole Wæver
The Sociology of a Not So International Discipline: American and European Developments in International Relations Ole Wæver You wish me to speak about ‘‘Science as a Vocation.’’ Now, we political econo- mists have a pedantic custom, which I should like to follow, of always beginning with the external conditions. In this case, we begin with the question: What are the conditions of science as a vocation in the material sense of the term? Today this question means, practically and essentially: What are the prospects of a graduate student who is resolved to dedicate himself professionally to science in university life? In order to understand the peculiarities of German conditions it is expedient to proceed by comparison and to realize the conditions abroad. In this respect, the United States stands in the deepest contrast with Germany, so we shall focus upon that country. —Max Weber, ‘‘Science as a Vocation,’’ speech at Munich University, 1918 Introduction This special issue of International Organization (IO) exhibits a consistent ambiva- lence about whether it reports on the development of international relations (IR) or American IR. Maybe this should be expected. IR is and has been ‘‘an American social science’’.1 The incident in the late 1980s when the International Studies Asso- ciation (ISA) approached (other?) national associations (such as the British Interna- tional Studies Association, BISA, and the Japan Association of International Rela- tions, JAIR) in the mantle of the global meta-organization of international studies I thank Michael Barnett, Barry Buzan, Thomas Diez, Klaus-Gerd Giesen, Nils Petter Gleditsch, Kjell Goldmann, Stefano Guzzini, Lene Hansen, Pierre Hassner, Markus Jachtenfuchs, Pertti Joenniemi, Pirjo Jukarainen, Thomas Risse, Marie-Claude Smouts, Arthur Stein, Jaap de Wilde, Michael Williams, and the editors for commenting on drafts; Heine Andersen for guiding me to the relevant literature in the sociology of science; and Karen Lund Petersen for her untiring work on statistics and figures. -
POLITIKON: the IAPSS Journal of Political Science Vol 30 (July 2016)
POLITIKON: The IAPSS Journal of Political Science Vol 30 (July 2016) 1 POLITIKON: The IAPSS Journal of Political Science Vol 30 (July 2016) Volume 30: July 2016 ISSN 2414-6633 Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief: Jaroslava Barbieri (Italy, Ukraine) Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Petra Gabrielle Kubalkova (Hawaii) Luca Arfini (Italy) Lorand Bodo (Germany) Alice Martini (Italy) 2 POLITIKON: The IAPSS Journal of Political Science Vol 30 (July 2016) Table of Contents Editorial Note ............................................................................................................................ 4 Articles The Substance of the EU Democracy Promotion in Ukraine: Is Embedded Democracy the Right Concept? / Maryna Rabynovych ........................................................... 5 Non-Combatant Immunity: A Necessary, Yet Versatile Condition for Just Warfare? Lukas Schmid ............................................................................................................................ 32 Survival ‘Beyond Positivism?’ The Debate on Rationalism and Reflectivism in International Relations Theory / Cagla Luleci and I. Erkam Sula ....................................... 43 Masking the Systematic Violence Perpetuated By Liberalism Through the Concept of ‘Totalitarianism’ / Ioana Cerasella Chis ................................................................................... 56 The Importance of Internal Pacification in the Development of Nation States: How the Internal Pacification Was Achieved and What Were Its Limitations? / Rasheed Masood