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Promoting Theoretical Pluralism in International Relations: Through the Empirical Case of Realism and Constructivism
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Abstract
The traditional interrelation of theories in the discipline of International Relations (IR) could essentially be deemed as one of tension, which has arguably trumped the academic development of the discipline by impeding theories from dialoguing with each other. Fortunately, following the promotion of theoretical pluralism by scholars, a pathway towards the harmonious consolidation of theories has potentially been constructed. This essay appreciates the value of theoretical pluralism to IR and henceforth aims to further promote its ideas in the discipline. It makes this case by empirically demonstrating the utility of theoretical pluralism in IR through the case of realism and constructivism. It shows that while the two theories are both unable to provide a comprehensive account of state behaviour if applied in perfect isolation, they can nevertheless jointly form a more comprehensive account of state behaviour if dialogued under the light of pluralist ideas.
Keywords
international relations, pluralism, realism, constructivism, epistemology
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Cite this article
Miao,Y. (2023). Promoting Theoretical Pluralism in International Relations: Through the Empirical Case of Realism and Constructivism. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,22,184-188.
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