Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Pages: 268-295

Journal: International Studies Review

Volume number: 23

Issue number: 1

ISSN: 1521-9488

eISSN: 1468-2486

Open access status: Green

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/isr/viaa018

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract: 
This forum presents a snapshot of the current state of neoclassical realist theorizing. Its contributors are self-identified neoclassical realists who delineate their version of neoclassical realism (NCR), its scope, object of analysis, and theoretical contribution. From the standpoint of NCR, they contribute to and reflect on the "end of IR theory" debate. NCR has come under criticism for its supposed lack of theoretical structure and alleged disregard for paradigmatic boundaries. This raises questions as to the nature of this (theoretical) beast. Is NCR a midrange, progressive research program? Can it formulate a grand theory informed by metatheoretical assumptions? Is it a reformulation of neorealism or classical realism or an eclectic mix of different paradigms? The forum contributors argue that NCR, in different variants, holds considerable promise to investigate foreign policy, grand strategy and international politics. They interrogate the interaction of international and domestic politics and consider normative implications as well as the sources and cases of NCR beyond the West. In so doing, they speak to theorizing and the utility of the theoretical enterprise in IR more generally.

Harvard Citation style: Meibauer, G., Desmaele, L., Onea, T., Kitchen, N., Foulon, M., Reichwein, A., et al. (2021) FORUM: RETHINKING NEOCLASSICAL REALISM AT THEORY'S END, International Studies Review, 23(1), pp. 268-295. https://doi.org/10.1093/isr/viaa018

APA Citation style: Meibauer, G., Desmaele, L., Onea, T., Kitchen, N., Foulon, M., Reichwein, A., & Sterling-Folker, J. (2021). FORUM: RETHINKING NEOCLASSICAL REALISM AT THEORY'S END. International Studies Review. 23(1), 268-295. https://doi.org/10.1093/isr/viaa018