Decoding International Relations Theory: Theories and Their Impact

"The real world begins here…. What we think about these events and possibilities [e.g., in places like Bosnia and Rwanda, world wars, and the prospects for world politics in the twenty-first century], and what we think we can do about them, depends in a fundamental sense on how we think about them. In short, our thinking about the ‘real’ world, and hence our practices, is directly related to our theories, so as people interested in and concerned about the real world, we must be interested in and concerned about theory: What are the legacies of past theories? Whose facts have been most important in shaping our ideas? Whose voices are overlooked? Can we know and how can we know it? Where is theory going? Who are we? The real world is constituted by the dominant answers to these and other theoretical questions". So writes Steve Smith, Ken Booth, and Marysia Zalewski in the introduction to "International theory: positivism & beyond." This assertion intricately ties the study of international relations theory to the very fabric of our global reality. It claims that our understanding and interactions with the world are not independent of theoretical frameworks; rather, they are deeply intertwined. It is through the prism of these theories that we interpret events like the conflicts in Bosnia and Rwanda or contemplate the shape of twenty-first-century world politics.

The authors stress that our thoughts on these events and the possible actions we take are shaped by our theoretical standpoint. They argue that theory is not abstract but rather a practical tool that informs and influences our understanding and actions. They compel us to acknowledge the importance of theory in the real world and recognize that theories are not just academic constructs but are essential for shaping our perception of global events and our responses to them. The authors also challenge us to consider the historical legacy of IR theories. By examining the past, we can understand how previous ideas have influenced current international norms and policies. They urge us to take a critical look at whose facts have historically shaped dominant ideas and to question whose voices have been marginalized in this process. This call for inclusivity and critical inquiry is paramount in their argument, advocating for a more comprehensive approach that incorporates diverse voices and perspectives, especially those that have been historically overlooked.

Delving further into the nature of theory itself, Smith, Booth, and Zalewski ask us to confront the foundations of knowledge and being in international relations. They present a challenge to the standard epistemological and ontological assumptions, forcing us to grapple with questions of truth, reality, and the construction of knowledge in the field of international relations. Looking to the future, they question the direction of IR theory and reflect on the identity and purpose of those involved in the field. They encourage a forward-looking and reflective stance on the role of theorists and practitioners in shaping international discourse. Finally, they propose that the 'real world' is constituted by the answers to theoretical questions. This suggests that theory is not merely descriptive or explanatory but constitutive—it is involved in the creation of the world it describes. In this sense, theory and practice are not separate; they are interwoven, with theory actively participating in the construction of international reality.

In essence, this quotation from Smith, Booth, and Zalewski is not only a profound opening statement for a course on IR theory but also a comprehensive declaration of the imperative role that theory plays in our understanding and practice of international relations. It is an invitation to embark on a journey that explores the intricate relationship between theory and practice, and it sets the stage for an exhaustive exploration of the complex world of international politics.