This is an excerpt from McGlinchey, Stephen. 2022. Foundations of International Relations (London: Bloomsbury).
International Relations theory allows us to ask questions of our history, our present, and even gain insights into our future. It provides a toolkit that is essential to the academic discipline of International Relations. This excerpt from Foundations of International Relations (McGlinchey 2022) has three main objectives. First, it aims to explain when and why each theory emerged. Second, it outlines the central features of each theory to help readers understand the basics of how they work and appreciate the insights they offer. Finally, it delves into certain elements of the theories to reveal their complexity. Due to the complexity and diversity of International Relations theory, newcomers often struggle to grasp it. Hence, it is necessary to simplify International Relations theory to consider it as a whole for beginners. Here, the theory is categorized into three groups – ‘traditional’, ‘middle ground’, and ‘critical’. To simplify further, the various named theories are presented as theory families, similar to real families with members who may disagree on many things but still share core commonalities.
Theories help us understand and make sense of the world through different perspectives, simplifying a complex world. Theories are like maps created for specific purposes, including variables like states, organizations, individuals, economics, history, power, gender, etc. Each theory offers a simplified view of the world to analyze events and sometimes even predict outcomes. The theories discussed here fall into three categories – ‘traditional’, ‘middle ground’, and ‘critical’ – each contributing a unique perspective to the discipline of International Relations.
The ‘traditional’ theories: liberalism and realism
Liberalism and realism emerged in response to the causes of war in the early twentieth century. While both theories have been challenged in the modern era, they remain central to the discipline. Liberals advocate for a peaceful world through democratic principles and free trade, emphasizing positive-sum interactions between states. In contrast, realists focus on survival in an anarchic system, where states compete for power and security. Realists view interactions between states as zero-sum, where one state’s gain is another’s loss, and emphasize the necessity of self-help in international relations.
The ‘middle ground’ theories: The English school and constructivism
The English school and constructivism offer a middle ground between liberalism and realism. The English school introduces the concept of an ‘Anarchical Society’, emphasizing shared norms between states. Constructivism highlights the importance of values, shared interests, and social norms in international interactions, focusing on the agency of individuals in shaping the global system.
The ‘critical’ theories
Postcolonialism, feminism, and poststructuralism critique traditional assumptions in International Relations theory. Postcolonialism focuses on inequalities resulting from colonial legacies, while feminism challenges the exclusion of women in positions of power. Poststructuralism questions dominant narratives and metanarratives, emphasizing the constructed nature of power and knowledge in shaping international relations.
These theories provide a diverse toolkit for understanding and analyzing International Relations, offering different perspectives on the global system and challenging traditional assumptions. Each theory family contributes valuable insights that enrich our understanding of the complexities of international politics.
For more in-depth analysis and resources on International Relations theory, refer to McGlinchey, Stephen. 2022. Foundations of International Relations (London: Bloomsbury).
