Great Debates in IR theory
• 1920s-Realists vs. Idealistsbasic assumptions, nature of human beings
• 1950s-Traditionalists vs. behavioralistsmethodology
Laws
• Patterns
• Regulatiries of IR or other physical
phenomena
• How to explain laws?
Theory building
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Hypothesis generation
If X then Y
Independent –dependent variable
Causal relationship
Correlations
Spurious relationship
Science as method
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Explain
Predict
Induction vs deduction
Inductive fallacy
Theory
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Select facts/interpret facts
To facilitate explanation
Prediction
Intellectual construct
Composed of several sets of interrelated
propositions to interpret and explain facts
Scientific approach
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What is scientific?
accumulation of knowledge
Systematic strategy-essential
Aim is to control unsupported speculation
Science is a matter of methods
Popperism-Karl Popper
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Testability
Falsification
Tentativeness
Importance of methods over results
Popper
• Believe there is not such thing as absolute
certainty
• But we can still falsify wrong conjectures
• Theoretical and methodological diversity
• Key strengths in social sciences
Traditional approach
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Participant observation
Diplomatic history
International law/treaties
Memoirs
Case studies
Behavioral/positivist approach
• Aggregate data
• Quantitative analysis
• Application of natural science methods to
social sciences
• Mathematical modeling
• Simulation
Paradigms
• Sets of dominant theories at given periods
• Paradigmatic change- when a shift in
dominant paradigm occurs, there is a
scientific revolution (Kuhn)
• Newtonian physics vs Quantum physics
• Multiple Paradigms possible to explain
same phenomena?
IR propositions
• When there is a balance of power, the likelihood
of war increases
• When there is a preponderance of power, the
likelihood of war increases
• The stronger a state’s military capabilities, the less
the likelihood of an attack against that state
• Democracies are less likely to fight with each
other
Rosenau-Thinking Theory
thoroughly
• Avoid treating the task of formulating an
appropriate definition of theory
• Empirical vs normative theory
• Assume underlying order for all human behaviour
• Sacrifice detailed description for general patterns
• Accept ambiguity
• Be ready to be proven wrong