What is the relationship of theory to actual policy? Are theories pre-packaged conceptual
tools policymakers then apply to the interpretation of actual events? Expressed
differently, is there a 1/1 correspondence between a particular event and a theory that
explains it? If so, how do you explain two ‘realist’ (or liberals or constructivists, etc.)
policymakers who both call for completely opposite policies in the same case, one opting
for military intervention for example, while the other prefers a policy of restraint? What
does this say about the relationship between theory and actual policy?
Can you identify a particular IR theory that appeals to you as the better explanation of
human behavior than others? Or would you say that the existence of multiple theories is
an indication that perhaps all of them are plausible as possible interpretations of the same
or different human events? Be clear and use examples to make your case.
Consider the structure of the US government as reflected in the Constitution (i.e.,
institutional checks and balances, power-sharing among federal and state authority, etc.)
Does this structure reflect a realist, liberal, or some other theory of human behavior? In
effect, is the ‘more perfect union’ of 1787 infused with a more realist or more liberal
spirit, or maybe a bit of both. Explain the possibilities concisely yet clearly with
examples.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
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For these scholars, NATO's highly institutionalized character helps explain why it
has been able to survive and adapt, despite the disappearance of its main adversary
The economic strand of liberal theory is still influential as well. In particular, a number of
scholars have recently suggested that the "globalization" of world markets, the rise of
transnational networks and nongovernmental organizations, and the rapid spread of
global communications technology are undermining the power of states and shifting
attention away from military security toward economics and social welfare. The details
are novel but the basic logic is familiar: As societies around the globe become
enmeshed in a web of economic and social connections, the costs of disrupting these
ties will effectively preclude unilateral state actions, especially the use of force.
This perspective implies that war will remain a remote possibility among the
advanced industrial democracies. It also suggests that bringing China and Russia into
the relentless embrace of world capitalism is the best way to promote both prosperity
and peace, particularly if this process creates a strong middle class in these states and
reinforces pressures to democratize. Get these societies hooked on prosperity and
competition will be confined to the economic realm.
Most realists recognize that nationalism, militarism, ethnicity, and other
domestic factors are important; liberals acknowledge that power is central to
international behavior; and some constructivists admit that ideas will have greater
impact when backed by powerful states and reinforced by enduring material forces. The
boundaries of each paradigm are somewhat permeable, and there is ample opportunity
for intellectual arbitrage.
The "compleat diplomat" of the future should remain cognizant of realism's
emphasis on the inescapable role of power, keep liberalism's awareness of domestic
forces in mind, and occasionally reflect on constructivism's vision of change.
References
Walt, S. M. (1998, Spring). International relations: One world, many theories. Foreign Policy, ,
29-35+.
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/magazines/internatio
nal-relations-one-world-many-theories/docview/224038646/se-2
Last Name, A. B. (Year). Article Title. Journal Title, Pages #-#. URL.
Last Name, C. D. (Year). Book Title (Edition). Publisher Name. URL.
Last Name, D. E., Last Name, F. G., Last Name, H. I. (Year). Report Title (report number). Publisher. URL.
Last Name, J. K. (Year, Month Day). Article Title/Headline. Periodical. URL.
Organization Name. (Year, Month Day). Webpage Title. URL.
