Abstract
With a view to providing contextual background for the Special Issue, this opening article analyses several dimensions of ‘The end of International Relations theory?’ It opens with a consideration of the status of different types of theory. Thereafter, we look at the proliferation of theories that has taken place since the emergence of the third/fourth debate. The coexistence and competition between an ever-greater number of theories begs the question: what kind of theoretical pluralism should IR scholars embrace? We offer a particular account of theoretical engagement that is preferable to the alternatives currently being practised: integrative pluralism. The article ends on a cautiously optimistic note: given the disciplinary competition that now exists in relation to explaining and understanding global social forces, International Relations may find resilience because it has become theory-led, theory-literate and theory-concerned
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | European Journal of International Relations |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Pages (from-to) | 405-425 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| ISSN | 1354-0661 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2013 |