Thinking Theory Thoroughly

Think that theory is thoroughly removed from explaining international crises such as Bosnia, Rwanda, and Korea? Think again! James Rosenau and Mary Durfee show that the same events take on different coloration depending on the theory used to explain them. In order to better understand world politics, the authors maintain, theory does make a difference. Thinking Theory Thoroughly is a primer for all kinds of readers who want to begin theorizing about international relations (IR). Using realismthe dominant theoretical perspective in IRand postinternationalism (Rosenaus famed turbulence paradigm) as oppositional models, the authors take us up the ladder of theory-building step by step. Using case studies and examples, this volume shows how theories, and theorists, are tested in situations ranging from long-term regime building to short-term crisis. }Think that theory is thoroughly removed from explaining international crises such as Bosnia, Rwanda, and Korea? Think again! James Rosenau and Mary Durfee have teamed up to show that the same events take on different coloration depending on the theory used to explain them. In order to better understand world politics, the authors maintain, theory does make a difference. Thinking Theory Thoroughly is a primer for all kinds of readers who want to begin theorizing about international relations (IR). Using realismthe dominant theoretical perspective in IRand postinternationalism (Rosenaus famed turbulence paradigm) as oppositional models, the authors take us up the ladder of theory-building step by step and ask key questions along the way: Of what is this an instance? What underlying dynamic of world politics does it reflect? What different explanations might realists and postinternationalists offer?Case studies on the U.N. and Antarctica are developed with an eye to their theoretical dimensions. Then a chapter on international crisesencompassing the Cuban missile crisis; protests in Tiananmen Square; and refugee flights from Haiti, Cuba, and Rwandashows how theories, and theorists, are tested in situations characterized by surprise, short timelines, and disrupted decisionmaking. }