General Definition:
At its core, a theory is like a lens or framework we use to understand and explain the world.
A theory is a systematic way of understanding, explaining, and sometimes predicting phenomena. It helps simplify reality by focusing on certain key factors and relationships.
In other words, a theory tells us:
- What to look at
- What matters most
- Why something happens the way it does
So, Why Do We Need Theories?
Imagine this:
You’re watching a football match 🏟️. One person says the game is all about skill. Another says it’s about teamwork. A third says it’s about luck.
Each person sees the same event but interprets it differently—based on their perspective. That’s exactly what IR theories do.
Theories help simplify complex international realities, make sense of patterns, and even predict behavior.
Key Characteristics of IR Theories:
| Characteristic | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Descriptive | They describe what is happening. |
| Explanatory | They explain why something happens. |
| Predictive | Some try to predict future events. |
| Normative | Some offer ethical or value-based judgments (e.g., how the world should be). |
| Analytical Tools | They help scholars and policymakers analyze and interpret events. |
Example:
Realism:
- Says the world is anarchic (no global police).
- States act in their own self-interest to survive.
- War is inevitable due to the struggle for power.
Liberalism:
- Believes in cooperation through diplomacy and institutions (like the UN).
- War can be avoided through trade, democracy, and international law.
Constructivism:
- Says ideas, norms, and identities shape how states behave.
- What states “believe” is just as important as their weapons.
🧭 Final Thought:
IR theories are not about which one is “correct”, but about which one is useful to understand a particular situation.
Each theory gives you a different set of tools to analyze the world. The best scholars know how to use more than one lens depending on the question.
GeoWire 