By Marize Dreyer

Unfolding International
relations theory

• We will explore the purpose of theory in IR,

different conceptions of theory and the distinct
functions of theory. The study of IR relies heavily
on theory, which helps us to make sense of these
interactions and better understand the world
around us and how it functions.
• Therefore, attention needs to be given on the
building blocks of the IR discipline that is
THEORIES!!
1) WHAT is the purpose of
International Relations Theory
• The predominant notion behind the study of IR is to provide a
comprehensive understanding of how the world works with regards
to different aspects and knowledge of the IR discipline. There are
various purposes for IR theorizing whereby 3 will be discussed.
• 1) The relevance to theorize IR lies in the significance of increasing
knowledge in the field of study to be passed down to future IR
scholars. But before you start to gain and understand this knowledge,
one must first lay down a solid foundation of rational theories that
can help make sense of past and future occurrences.
• Patterns of states can be observed and analyzed which further helps
to explain events taking place on the global stage. For example, the
ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine which started in the
early 20th century, whereby THEORY was and is still needed to
explain the root cause behind the conflict and why it still persists.
WHAT is the purpose of
International Relations
Theory
• Providing a theoretical framework to how IR can be
understood. Along with this , scholars can better understand
past and current events by providing explanations through
using IR theories. Therefore, IR scholars can argue why
certain events take place and how they are shaped by states,
international institutions, and non-state actors.
• Also, by first setting out a good map, you can get to your
destination easier. This is to say that the framework can
provide already known answers to specific questions in the
IR field and could help future scholars better understand
theories in IR. What’s more is this would then help simplify
problems and provide better answers with the current
contexts. These concepts can for example be on security,
cooperation, and power relations between states.
WHAT is the purpose of
International Relations
Theory
• The purpose of analyzing theories can
be useful in attempting to predict and
explain certain political behavior. So,
like Burchill says, it’s about
understanding the “inside heads of
state actors”. Therefore, with a clear
theoretical framework one can look at
current and future events and predict
unfolding patterns. This places a great
amount of importance on theories
which help predict future behaviors
and how they can be understood.
2) WHAT are the different conceptions of theory in
International Relations
• Different conceptions of IR theories reflect different ontological,
epistemological, and methodological assumptions about the nature IR and
how it should be studied.
• First is the object of analysis and the scope of enquiry. By breaking it into
two parts, the 1ST , “object of analysis” refers to the specific topic being
studied and places primary interest on what the researcher hopes to
understand. The latter “the scope of enquiry” refers to defining specific
restrictions of the study and sets limits for the analysis. For example, by
looking at the Realist debate on what the most important level of analysis is,
to study IR, brings in constraints from other theorist views. This meaning
that Realists focus on anarchy excludes a wide range of other domains in
the world of political science.
• Furthermore, the debates done by feminists argue for greater involvement
of women or when Constructivists argue for the understanding for the social
construct of norms. Thus, there are numerous considerations about the
fundamentals of the correct object/level of analysis and scope of enquiry.
Object of analysis and scope of enquiry
Topic being studied
Object of Analysis

What do you want to understand

Defining restrictions
Scope of
enquiry
What are the concerns and limits that
need focus
3) WHAT are the different conceptions of theory
• Moreover, there is also the purpose of social and political enquiry.
This is to understand the purpose of analysis through the limits of
political change and social behaviors. An example would be when
states are advised to work with the existing international order rather
than to change it. Different views on this can be from the English
School that emphasizes the need to join in on the proceedings that
constitutes the international order, whereas the liberal perspective
perceives the purpose of analysis to promote economic and social
interdependence between individuals, to create new forms of political
community.
WHAT are the different conceptions of theory

• The use of appropriate methodologies. There are various

arguments on what suitable methodologies need to be used in
the IR discipline. However, the use of methodologies will
depend on the background of the scholar and their specific area
of interest. Therefore, different conceptions ranging from the
scope of inquiry, its purpose and methodology shows that the
notions which informs the classical core of the subject are
analyzed and conceptualized in a very diverse way.
What are the different functions of theory
• There are two main ideas on the functions of theories proposed by
Stefano Guzzini. That is functions of theories can either be
explanatory or constitutive. To look at the first function, theories
can be used for explanatory purposes. IR theories are the result of
giving a coherent explanation for a variety of specified cases.
These theories can provide a framework for understanding
conceptions like the actors in international institutions or the
behavior of states both nationally and globally.
What are the functions of theory
• The next function is that theories can be in a constitutive form where the theory is the reason for the
possibility of knowledge. That can be the means by which IR scholars can understand different power
relations and how it should be distributed according to specific theories. It can also serve as the way in which
prediction of future events can take place by analyzing past behavior and forecast from that how it might
turnout.  
• Another function in IR theory can be to bring in a structure to the study of IR so that it’s not just concepts
floating around without the appropriate context needed. Therefore, the study of theories can follow a logical
order which would help to better understand the conceptions relating to the study of IR.
• Overall, the function of theories in IR can play a vital role in helping us as future IR scholars to make sense
of the complex, intermixed world.
CONCLUSION
• As a closing remark, there lies great
importance in understanding the
purpose, function, and different
conception of theories in
International Relations and it gives
us a clear map to follow through
providing a framework. As the
discipline of IR continues to evolve
and face new challenges, theories
will remain an essential tool for
understanding and navigating the
complexities of the international
systems.
 Bibliography
• Scott Burchill & Andrew Linklater (2005)
"Introduction" in Scott Burchill et al.
Theories of International Relations (3r ed.).
Houndsmills: Palgrave Macmillan (pp. 1-24)
• Stefano Guzzini (2001) "The Significance
and Roles of Teaching Theory in
International Relations" in Journal of
International Relations and Development,
vol. 4, no. 2: 98-117.
• Chris Brown with Kirsten Ainley (2005)
Understanding International Relations.
London: Palgrave (ch.1, 2)