1. POL 3080 Approaches to International Relations Introduction

2. Why Studying IR Theories?
The broad picture about the driving forces of international relations; the continuity and change in IR;
What is a theory -- is a depiction of the organization of a domain of activity and of the connections among its parts (Waltz, 1979);
Good Theory simplifies complexity, so that complexity itself can be understood;
The aim is to find central tendencies and single out propelling principle

3. What is an IR Theory? Theory is:
A: related to the world about which explanations are wanted;
B: It must, nonetheless, be recognized as distinct;
C: Somewhat “removed from reality,” thus being distinct from a mere description.

4. Approaches to Studying IR Theories: Ontology and Epistemology
Question: what do we know?
Core Inquiry: whether there is a real world out there that is independent of our knowledge of it.
Epistemology:
Question: how do we know it?
Core inquiry: whether we can discover the world through direct observation or there are some other relationships that are not directly observable.

5. Types of IR Theories I A: Scope
-- strategic theories (deterrence, national security)
-- grand theories (Morgenthau)
-- middle range theories (alliances, cooperation, nationalism, etc)
B: IR theories as debates
Debate 1: Realism vs. Idealism (human nature)
Debate 2: Behavioralism vs. Traditionalism (methods)
Debate 3: Rationalism vs. constructivism and post-positivism (ontology and epistemology; also methods)

6. Types of IR Theories – Three Levels of Analysis
Three levels/images/lenses of analysis. A simplifying framework; the explanation rests on various variables:
I. Individual (leaders and human nature)
II. State (gov’t, economy, demographics, political stability/system, resources)
III. International System (anarchy, sovereign states, distribution of power, international institutions)

7. Organization and Structure of the Class I
Themes and variables approach (e.g. Classical Readings) vs. frameworks approach
Modification of the “Greco-Roman” three pillar approach (Walt):
--Realism – human nature (a.k.a. classical), neo-realism (offensive and defensive)
-- Liberal and neo-liberal approaches (globalization, DPT, institutionalism)
-- Constructivism (conventional and critical)

8. Organization and Structure of the Class II
The III-pillar format is traditional and most popular;
Also included:
Individual/ cognitive explanations
organizational and bureaucratic theories
Marxism and dependency theories
English School
NOT included: middle-range issue-specific theories dealing with int’l political economy, alliances, security war and conflict, cooperation, etc)
Approaches to IR lay the foundation for various explanations in all sub-fields/ focus fields of IR