Positivist Approaches

• Before, International Relations mostly looked at history and law,

not science.
• These are methods based on the idea that knowledge comes from
empirical evidence (observations or experiments).
• In simpler terms, positivism says that we can understand things
by looking at real-world facts rather than just opinions or
beliefs.
• These are ways of studying the world that involve making
observations, forming hypotheses (educated guesses), testing
those hypotheses through experiments or more observations, and
then drawing conclusions based on evidence.
 Implications of Positivism in International Relations

Positivism is a way of thinking that influences how we study International

Relations. Here are some key points about what positivism says:
1.Science works the same way for all subjects, including social sciences: Just
like scientists use experiments to understand chemical reactions, in
International Relations, we can use surveys or statistical analysis to study
patterns of behavior among countries. For instance, researchers might use
surveys to understand public opinion on international issues or analyze data
to identify trends in diplomatic relations.
• We should separate facts from opinions:
In studying conflicts between nations, positivism would emphasize the importance
of distinguishing between factual events (such as military actions or diplomatic
negotiations) and subjective interpretations or biases. For instance, while one
country may claim it launched a missile for defensive purposes (fact), another
country may interpret differently.
• We can find patterns in how things work:
Positivism suggests that recurring behaviors or events can be identified and
understood. For example, through the analysis of historical data, researchers
might observe patterns in trade agreements between certain countries during
periods of economic stability versus times of conflict.
• We should check if our ideas match with real-life observations: Positivism
encourages us to test our theories and hypotheses against real-world evidence.
If our ideas don't match up with what we observe happening in the world, then
we need to reconsider or adjust our theories.
 Evaluation of Positivist in International Relations
• Decide what to study by looking at real experiences:
In understanding the impact of globalization on international relations, positivism
encourages researchers to examine real-world events such as trade
agreements, cultural exchanges, and migration patterns. By studying these
experiences, researchers can identify trends and patterns that help shape their
understanding of globalization's effects.
• Develop methods to test our ideas:
Suppose a researcher proposes a theory suggesting that democracies are less
likely to engage in armed conflict with each other. Positivism encourages the
use of empirical methods such as statistical analysis to test this hypothesis.
By collecting data on past conflicts and comparing the behavior of democratic
and non-democratic countries, researchers can assess the validity of the theory.
Think about why people do what they do in politics:
Positivism encourages researchers to explore the motivations behind political
actions by examining empirical evidence. For instance, in studying the
outbreak of a conflict between two countries, researchers might analyze factors
such as economic interests, historical grievances, and strategic calculations to
understand why leaders make certain decisions..
 Limitations of Positivism in International
• Society and History Influence Facts: Relations
• Positivism may not fully recognize how society and historical events shape what we
perceive as facts.
• Values Impact Truth:
• Positivism might not acknowledge how our personal values affect our understanding of
truth.
• It may ignore cultural differences in interpreting concepts like human rights in
international relations.
• Human Behavior Can Be Unpredictable:
• Positivism may not accept that human actions can be unpredictable and subject to change.
• It might fail to account for sudden shifts in political alliances or unexpected social
movements in international relations.
Examples

Constructivism: Understands how cultural ideas and identities shape international relations.
Considers how historical memories and national narratives influence how countries perceive and
interact with each other.
Critical Theory: Questions power dynamics and challenges dominant perspectives in international
relations.
Critiques positivist methods for supporting existing inequalities.
Feminist Theory:
Examines how gender norms impact global politics and highlights the experiences of women.
Considers the roles of women in peacebuilding efforts and analyzes the gendered impacts of conflicts
Conclusion
Positivism aids in predicting and identifying patterns in global politics through
scientific methods.
However, it has limitations in comprehending the underlying motivations
behind human actions.
To achieve a holistic understanding of international relations, blending
scientific approaches with cultural understanding is essential.