T4- Approaches and Theories in IR Flashcards
What is a theory?
-Derived from the Greek word ‘Theoro’ which means
> “To Look At”
-Mostly used as synonym for
>Though
>an Idea
>or a paradigm
-An analytical tool for understanding, explaining and
>making prediction about a given subject matter.
-Theory is necessary coz
>it acts as a guiding principle to systematically structure our observations.
-Main function of a theory is to explain a phenomenon.
Name the persons whom tried to develop theoretical perspective of IR.
- Stanley Hoffman
- James Rosennau
- Mortan Kaplan
- Hans Morgenthau
- Kenneth N, Waltz
What is an Approach?
- A set of standards governing the inclusion and exclusion of questions and data for academic purpose.
-Approach comes first and
>theory is the outcome of the study undertaken with
>a particular approach
Approaches adopted to study IR?
-Adopted from time to time
- The Classical or traditional Approaches
- The Scientific/ Behavioralist Approaches
- Post-Behavioralist Approaches
- The Post positivist Approaches
Approaches adopted to study IR:
1. The Classical or traditional Approaches
-Traditionalist belives that
>IR is the study of patterns of action and reaction among sovereign states
>Focus on the activities of the diplomats and policy makers who carry out foreign policy
-Acc to this school
>IR is nothing but diplomacy and strategy in cooperation and conflict
>Simply, it is the study of war and peace
-Traditional Methodology revolved around
>Historical, Philosophical, Moral or Legal questions.
>It was based on knowledge and experience rather than on hypothesis.
-Traditionalist focus on observable govt behavior on the basis of concepts like
>Balance of Power
>National Interest
>Diplomacy and etc
-Traditionalist regard IR as a subfield of
>political science and philosphy
-Skeptical of Behavioralist approach
-Two main schools of traditional approach
>Idealism/ Liberalism
>Realism
>Realist paradigm remained dominant position in traditional approaches.
