Cited by 335Political Science Research and EducationInternational Relations and Foreign PolicyContemporary Sociological Theory and Practice

The rise and fall of the inter-paradigm debate

Wæver, Ole·1996·International Theory

Abstract

The separation of concepts applicable to groups from those applicable to individuals is a powerful tool for eliminating the solipsism characteristic of traditional methodologies. Science becomes intrinsically a group activity, no longer even idealizable as a one-person game. Thomas S. Kuhn (1993, p. xiii) A standard textbook presentation of International Relations (IR) has it that there are three paradigms, three dominant schools. The first is realism, the second is alternately called pluralism, interdependence and world society but it is in some sense always the liberal approach, and the third is Marxism or more broadly radicalism, structuralism or globalism. Some writers claim that this is the timeless pattern of International Relations debate – even in the classics, we find these three types of thinking (Kauppi and Viotti, 1992; Viotti and Kauppi 1993 [1987]). Others will be more restrictive and say the discipline became like this at some point, e.g. in the 1970s (Holsti, 1985). Not everyone, however, cherishes this categorisation. Is it vague and arbitrary? (Why these three? Why three? Where do you place the Neo-realism/Neo-liberalism debate?) No, all typologies are problematic – this no more than others. Such will not be my main line of criticism. A fairly coherent construction can be made (and will be presented in section 1). But ‘the debate’ is a misleading map and a bad guide to introduce students to. This is not the pattern of debate today. The story about an ‘inter-paradigm debate’ does not give a grip on the ongoing controversies in the discipline.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Wæver argues that the “inter-paradigm debate” was a 1970s–early 1980s self-image of IR as three incommensurable paradigms—realism, pluralism/liberalism, and Marxism/radicalism—but it no longer described the discipline by the mid-to-late 1980s. He proposes instead a four-debate sequence, with the 1980s dominated by a neo-neo synthesis and a rationalist–reflectivist fourth debate, and calls for new metaphors for IR self-reflection.

Key findings

  • The inter-paradigm debate was mainly a 1970s phenomenon, labelled around 1980–85; it presented realism, pluralism/interdependence, and Marxism/radicalism as incommensurable paradigms, though Wæver says it was “de facto mainly a debate along one side of the triangle” rather than an equal three-way debate.
  • In the mid-to-late 1980s, realism became neo-realism and liberalism became neoliberal institutionalism; they formed a “neo-neo synthesis” sharing a rationalist research programme, anarchy premise, and questions about cooperation and institutions. Wæver cites Keohane’s “We agree on 90 per cent” and says realists and liberalists agree “more than 90 per cent.”
  • The main 1980s axis shifted to rationalists versus reflectivists (the fourth debate), with post-modernists replacing Marxists as the radical contender. Table 7.3 contrasts the third debate (incommensurability, world view, three paradigms) with 4a (war, philosophy, neo-neo synthesis vs post-modernists) and 4b (differences within a research programme, empirical question, neo-realists vs neo-liberal institutionalists).
  • In the 1990s, Wæver sees rapprochement and a middle ground between rationalists and reflectivists, marginalisation of extreme rational choice and deconstructivists, and an English School revival; he argues incommensurability should be rejected through a post-structuralist critique of commensurability, and IR needs new images beyond the triangle.

Methods

  • Theoretical, conceptual, and historical essay rather than an empirical study; no sample or dataset is used.
  • Analyzes IR self-images and debates from the first to the fourth debate, drawing on textbooks, key works (Kuhn, Lapid, Keohane, Waltz, Ruggie, and others), and tables (7.1–7.4) comparing paradigms and debates.
  • Main analysis is interpretive mapping and critique of “incommensurability” and the three-paradigm triangle, proposing four debates and a constructivist/post-structuralist alternative.

Limitations

  • The paper does not include a formal limitations section; it acknowledges that its four-debate argument is unconventional and contrary to established wisdom that there is no fourth debate.
  • Evident from the text: no systematic empirical data or case selection; it relies on secondary literature and the author’s interpretive periodisation, so claims about debate timing and disciplinary consensus are not empirically tested.
  • Evident: the argument is normative/prescriptive in aiming to reshape disciplinary self-reflection, and some claims are hedged (“probably,” “I would suggest”), limiting falsifiability.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1017/cbo9780511660054.009

Cites

0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 43 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Interpretationreasoning
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    Realists and pluralists sorted the world according to different concepts and thus got different empirical material.

    “they each sorted the world according to different concepts and thus got different empirical material.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Interpretationreasoning
    § The rise and f fall of the inter-paradigm 7 debate

    The inter-paradigm debate is not the pattern of debate today.

    “This is not the pattern of debate today.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Premisereasoning
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    The challengers to realism formulated alternative conceptions of the international system in terms of regional integration, transnationalism, interdependence, and a pluralist system of numerous sub-state and trans-state actors.

    “The challengers not only formulated a criticism of realism but tried to present alternative conceptions of the international system. These went in terms of regional integration, transnationalism, interdependence, and a pluralist system of numerous sub-state and trans-state actors who made up a much more complicated image than the usual state-to-state one.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Premisenone given
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, there was increasing criticism of the dominant realist paradigm, focused on its image of the world, its alleged state-centrism, preoccupation with power, and blindness to various processes.

    “In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, there was increasing criticism of the dominant realist paradigm, not primarily its methodology, but its image of the world, its alleged state-centrism, preoccupation with power and its blindness to various kinds of processes domestically, transnationally and beyond the political-military sphere.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Premisenone given
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    A third paradigm, Marxism, had arisen.

    “Meanwhile, a third paradigm had arisen: Marxism.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 66
  • May combine two claims. 50
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 7
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    Interpretationnone given
    § The rise and f fall of the inter-paradigm 7 debate

    The image of incommensurable paradigms is a block to scientific progress.

    “the image of 'incommensurable' paradigms is a block to scientific progress”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § The rise and f fall of the inter-paradigm 7 debate

    A standard textbook presentation of International Relations holds that there are three dominant paradigms: realism, liberalism/pluralism/interdependence/world society, and Marxism/radicalism/structuralism/globalism.

    “A standard textbook presentation of International Relations (IR) has it that there are three paradigms, three dominant schools. The first is realism, the second is alternately called pluralism, interdependence and world society but it is in some sense always the liberal approach, and the third is Marxism or more broadly radicalism, structuralism or globalism.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Kauppi and Viotti, 1992

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Viotti and Kauppi 1993 [1987]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Holsti, 1985

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § The rise and f fall of the inter-paradigm 7 debate

    The debate has moved on.

    “The debate has moved on; self-referential story-telling in the discipline ought to move with it.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    There was a general understanding that an alternative image of international politics had materialised, but realism did not easily give in.

    “There was a general understanding, that an alternative image of international politics had materialised, but also that realism did not easily give in.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § The rise and f fall of the inter-paradigm 7 debate

    The story about an inter-paradigm debate does not give a grip on the ongoing controversies in the discipline.

    “The story about an inter-paradigm debate' does not give a grip on the ongoing controversies in the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    The new theories were to win no easy victory because realist imagery had a solid hold on decision makers and the new formulations had difficulty consolidating into theory.

    “Increasingly, it became clear that the new theories were to win no easy victory. The realist imagery had a solid hold on decision makers who kept to some extent operating in a world of states (Rothstein 1972), and the new formulations had difficulty consolidating into theory and not just complications of the realist theory.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Rothstein 1972

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    Realism and its pluralist challenger appeared to be incommensurable paradigms.

    “Realism and its pluralist challenger appeared to be such incommensurable paradigms.³”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    Each paradigm constructs its own basic concepts/units and questions, and thereby its data, criteria and stories.

    “Each paradigm'constructs its own basic concepts/units and questions – and thereby its data, criteria and not least its stories about paradigmatic experiments or similar scientific events.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kuhn

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    The two paradigms had different strengths, and there was no way to prove one or the other right.

    “The two paradigms had different strengths, there were things better explained by the one, and others better dealt with by the other. And more importantly: there was no way to prove one or the other right.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    The emerging self-perception in the discipline was that competing theories had emerged which each contained its own confirming stories, data and preferred issues.

    “But the emerging self-perception in and of the discipline was that competing theories had emerged which each contained its own confirming stories, data and preferred issues.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    Paradigms are incommensurable because they each generate their criteria of judgement and their own language.

    “Paradigms are incommensurable, because they each generate their criteria of judgement and their own language'.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kuhn

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    Kuhn's theory holds that theories cannot be judged in any overarching, neutral language.

    “theories cannot be judged in any over-arching, neutral language.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kuhn

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it start?

    The reason for this pluralism was probably to be found in the weakened mainstream: American IR was marked by self-doubt after the Vietnam war, the student revolt and the oil shock.

    “It served a kind of 'infant industry' function and the reason for this pluralism was probably to be found in the weakened mainstream: American IR was marked by self-doubt after the Vietnam war, the student revolt and the oil shock.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given
    § How did it differ from the other three great debates?

    The discipline flapped towards the 1970s when it definitely became triangular.

    “Thus the discipline flapped towards the 1970s when it definitely became triangular.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    Realism and liberalism were no longer incommensurable in the 1980s; they shared a rationalist research programme, a conception of science, a willingness to operate on the premise of anarchy, and an investigation of cooperation and whether institutions matter.

    “No longer were realism and liberalism incommensurable' – on the contrary they shared a rationalist' research programme, a conception of science, a shared willingness to operate on the premise of anarchy (Waltz) and investigate the evolution of co-operation and whether institutions matter (Keohane).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given
    § How did it end?

    Waltz's Theory of International Politics (1979) and Gilpin's War and Change in World Politics (1981) were a revenge of realism, an attempt to relaunch more scientific versions of realism.

    “As often noted, Waltz's Theory of International Politics (1979) and Gilpin's War and Change in World Politics (1981) were the revenge of realism, an attempt to relaunch more scientific' versions of realism.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Waltz, 1979

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Gilpin, 1981 source
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation
    § How did it end?

    The rationalist-reflectivist axis was the biggest axis in the 1980s, supplemented by a perpendicular but shorter debate over absolute and relative gains.

    “The rationalist-reflectivist axis was not the only but the biggest axis in the 1980s. In a sense it was supplemented by a perpendicular but shorter one: the debate over absolute and relative gains (debate 4b in Table 7.3).15”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it start?

    The perceptions argument can be run on a purely individual basis, but then why the discipline coheres into three coherent paradigms becomes a mystery.

    “The perceptions argument can be run on a purely individual basis (we are all caught in our world views'). Why the discipline then coheres into three rather coherent 'paradigms' becomes something of a mystery.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it differ from the other three great debates?

    The debate is the discipline.

    “The debate is the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § How did it differ from the other three great debates?

    The third debate can be clearly singled out from the other three debates in three ways: its self-conception as incommensurable paradigms; its area for locating differences ontologically; and its participants: the three schools.

    “The third debate can be clearly singled out from the other three debates in three ways: its self-conception as incommensurable paradigms'; its area for locating the differences: ontologically' as different conceptions of the nature, units and content of international relations; and its participants': the three schools.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    The triangle does not stabilise into a simple dichotomy; the two can line up against the third in all possible constellations.

    “You can keep travelling around in the triangle – it does not stabilise into a simple dichotomy.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § How did it start?

    With Kuhn's more sociological approach, the emphasis falls on the production of questions or puzzles sufficiently tied to theories to be scientific.

    “With the more sociological approach of Kuhn, the emphasis instead falls on the production of questions or puzzles that are sufficiently closely tied to theories to be scientific.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kuhn

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it start?

    The metaphor of paradigms was useful for reconstructing a more decentralised but stabilised image of the discipline in a time of troubles.

    “The metaphor of paradigms was useful for reconstructing a more decentralised but stabilised image of the discipline in a time of troubles.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § How did it start?

    The inter-paradigm debate did not actually exist as an intense three-way debate occupying the minds of International Relationists; it was an artificially constructed debate, mainly invented for presentational purposes, teaching and self-reflection of the discipline.

    “Did it exist, the inter-paradigm debate? Partly no, it was not actually an intense three-way debate occupying the minds of International Relationists, but an artificially constructed 'debate', mainly invented for specific presentational purposes, teaching and self-reflection of the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    The 1980s constellation differed from the inter-paradigm debate because there was a change of fronts, it moved to a different level, and it moved beyond incommensurability.

    “The 1980s constellation was different. Different because there was a change of fronts, and different because it moved to a different level (as argued above) and, not least, it moved beyond incommensurability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    During the 1980s, realism became neo-realism and liberalism became neo-liberal institutionalism; both underwent a self-limiting redefinition towards anti-metaphysical theoretical minimalism and thereby became increasingly compatible.

    “During the 1980s, realism became neo-realism and liberalism neoliberal institutionalism. Both underwent a self-limiting redefinition towards an anti-metaphysical, theoretical minimalism, and they became thereby increasingly compatible.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § How did it differ from the other three great debates?

    With incommensurability, one no longer strived for ending debate, for finding who was right, but acknowledged that each paradigm contained its own truth, and that they were all valuable.

    “With incommensurability, one no longer strived for ending debate, for finding who was right, but acknowledged that each paradigm' contained its own truth, and that they were all valuable.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § How did it end?

    By the mid and late 1980s, the discipline was no longer in the inter-paradigm debate, even though it was still used as a teaching tool and as a schematism for evaluating ideas across the discipline.

    “In the mid and late 1980s we were no longer in the inter-paradigm debate, even if it was still used as a teaching tool and as schematism when some idea was to be evaluated across the discipline'.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning
    § How did it differ from the other three great debates?

    The main issue of contention in the inter-paradigm debate was the nature of international relations, and the secondary one was methodology.

    “The main issue of contention was the nature of international relations' (with ensuing political consequences) and the secondary one methodology'.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    The really new thing about neo-realism is its concept of science: general speculation and reflection are no longer sufficient, and realism must express itself as theory, a system of clearly specified sentences.

    “The really new thing about neorealism is its concept of science. General speculation and reflection is no longer sufficient, realism has to express itself in the form of theory, of a system of clearly specified sentences”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    It became fashionable to present the discipline as engaged in a triangular debate, but it was de facto mainly a debate along one side of the triangle.

    “It was not really equally well established within IR, but it became fashionable to present the discipline as engaged in a triangular debate (Marcusian repressive tolerance'?). Maybe it was triangular, but it was de facto mainly a debate along one side of the triangle (Figure 7.1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    The role of Marxism as contender in great debates has clearly waned; in the debates the discipline uses to orient itself, the position formerly occupied by Marxists was in the mid and late 1980s taken over by post-modernists.

    “Watching with the task of writing the history of the discipline, it can just be noticed that the role of Marxism as contender in great debates clearly has waned.”
    • Also stated in: § How did it end? · plain
      “In the debates which the discipline uses to orient itself, the position which used to be occupied by Marxists was in the mid and late 1980s taken over by post-modernists.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation
    § How did it start?

    There was also a kind of sideways inspiration from within the discipline, implicitly borrowing from perceptions studies.

    “I would further suggest that there was also a kind of sideways inspiration from within the discipline. Implicitly, one seemed to borrow from the perceptions' studies that proliferated in the same period (notably Jarvis, 1970, 1976; Snyder and Diesing, 1977; Janis and Mann, 1977): we are all caught by our view of the world, and this structures our way of importing new information and evaluating it.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Jarvis, 1970

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Jarvis, 1976

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Snyder and Diesing, 1977

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation
    § How did it start?

    In the longer run, the inter-paradigm debate might have had a conservative function, becoming a barrier against critique and a legitimation for scientific routine.

    “In the longer run, however, the inter-paradigm debate might have had a conservative function. 'It became a welcomed barrier against any critique and a good legitimation for scientific routine.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Guzzini, 1988

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Guzzini, 1992

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § How did it start?

    Only within a paradigm can there be clear criteria for choosing competing explanations; among competing paradigms there are not, and therefore there is no logically definitive way of proving what paradigm is right.

    “Only within a paradigm, there can be clear criteria for choosing competing explanations – among competing paradigms not, and therefore no logically definitive way of proving what paradigm is 'right'.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kuhn

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation
    § How did it end?

    The absolute/relative gains debate echoed old realist-liberalist debates but was post-third debate in form: it was not about incommensurable paradigms, participants agreed on 90 per cent, and the remainder was essentially an empirical question.

    “The remaining short distance between neo-realism and neo-liberalism is being argued out in this debate, which clearly echoes old realist-liberalist debates, but in its form is very post-third debate like: 'this is not the inter-paradigm debate'(as Keohane said in a panel on the relative/absolute gains debate at the APSA meeting in 1992; cf. also Keohane, 1993a, pp. 291ff), this is not about incomm”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Keohane, 1993a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    The rationalist-reflectivist axis was the main line of struggle in the 1980s, registered in many ways, including resistance to post-structuralism and in articles allegedly not dealing with the controversy.

    “That this rationalist-reflectivist axis was the main line of struggle was to be registered in many ways in the 1980s.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given
    § How did it differ from the other three great debates?

    In the first two debates, it was expected that one side would eventually win and International Relations would evolve as a coherent discipline in the winning camp.

    “In the first two debates, it was expected that one side would eventually win and International Relations would evolve as a coherent discipline in the winning camp.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    In the 1980s the main line of controversy shifted to the rationalist-reflectivist axis, the postmodernism debate; as the previous line dried out, radicals filled the vacuum, making the two main poles the neo-realist/neo-liberal synthesis and reflectivism.

    “In this environment, the main line of controversy shifted to the opposite direction as one between rationalists and reflectivists, the postmodernism debate. As the previous line of debate 'dried out', the radicals entered to fill the vacuum. Thus the two main poles became on the one hand a neo-realist, neo-liberal synthesis and on the other reflectivism”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    The image of the triangle has been the one to be used most often as a guiding metaphor for the discipline.

    “The image of the triangle, however, has been the one to be used most often as a guiding metaphor for the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation
    § How did it end?

    Liberal theory underwent a parallel development: it moved away from being a general interpretation of international relations and concentrated on precise questions, principally how institutions affect incentives facing states.

    “Liberal theory underwent a parallel development. It moved away from being a general interpretation of the nature of international relations or an idea of overall developments, and concentrated instead on asking a few precise questions. Or maybe simply one: how institutions affect incentives facing states' (Keohane, 1989, p. 11).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Keohane, 1989

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § How did it start?

    Without paradigms, there would be no scientific questions.

    “Without paradigms, there would be no scientific questions (Kuhn, 1970b, p. 9).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kuhn, 1970b, p. 9

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationcitation
    § How did it end?

    Neo-realism is no longer an ethico-philosophical position; sweeping statements on life and politics are replaced by precise statements, and neo-realism consciously limits itself to a small number of big and important things.

    “(Neo-)Realism is no longer an ethico-philosophical position. Sweeping statements on the nature of life and politics are replaced by precise statements.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § How did it end?

    In the triangular third debate, the three sides were probably never equal; the Marxist/structuralist side did not achieve full equivalence, and for a while the initiative lay with interdependence, the liberalist brand of the day.

    “In the triangular third debate, the three sides probably were never equal. The Marxist/structuralist side did not achieve full equivalence, and at least for a while the initiative was with 'interdependence'(the liberalist brand of the day).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § How did it end?

    The principal thesis of liberal institutionalism is that variations in the institutionalization of world politics exert significant impacts on the behaviour of governments, and patterns of cooperation and discord can be understood only in the context of institutions.

    “And the principal thesis is that variations in the institutionalization of world politics exert significant impacts on the behaviour of governments. In particular, patterns of cooperation and discord can be understood only in the context of the institutions that help define the meaning and importance of state action. (Keohane, 1989, p. 2)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Keohane, 1989

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it start?

    The inter-paradigm debate is the accord on seeing international relations theories as competing and incommensurable perceptional filters.

    “The inter-paradigm debate is the accord on seeing international relations theories as competing and incommensurable perceptional filters.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § How did it start?

    Progress can only appear in science within paradigms.

    “Progress can only appear in science within paradigms.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kuhn

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation
    § How did it end?

    The fourth debate is not the third, inter-paradigm debate; on all three defining dimensions-form of relationship, theme, and combatants-it has changed, and we are probably now after the fourth debate.

    “Thus, it should be clear, that the fourth debate is not the third, the inter-paradigm debate. Table 7.3 sums up how on all three defining dimentions, it has changed. Not only has this move taken us beyond the inter-paradigm debate; now we are probably after the fourth debate (Wæver, 1994).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wæver, 1994

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it differ from the other three great debates?

    The discipline was in some sense richer for having all three voices, but also potentially in danger of fragmenting.

    “The discipline was thus in some sense richer for having all three voices, but also potentially in danger of fragmenting.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it start?

    The paradigms could not have a real, normal debate; they could not be tested against each other, since they basically did not speak the same language.

    “The paradigms could not have a real, normal debate'. They could not be tested against each other, since they basically did not speak the same language.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given
    § What was the inter-paradigm debate?

    The term inter-paradigm debate arouses in most scholars the image of three competing paradigms, and more important than the number is the form and content of debate, the meeting of incommensurable paradigms.

    “The term inter-paradigm debate' arouses in most scholars the image of three competing paradigms, and more important than the number is the form and content of debate, the meeting of incommensurable paradigms.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § How did it differ from the other three great debates?

    The debate took place mainly in the 1970s but gained its self-reflection as the inter-paradigm debate or the third debate in the beginning of the 1980s.

    “The debate took place mainly in the 1970s but gained its self-reflection as the inter-paradigm debate' or 'the third debate' in the beginning of the 1980s (Holsti, Rosenau, Banks).⁶”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Holsti

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Rosenau

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Banks

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    Academic work is always guided by a picture of the discipline itself as the immediate social context.

    “Academic work is always guided by a picture of the discipline itself as the immediate social context.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    The image of paradigms internally communicating and externally only interacting closely resembles late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century romanticism, a belief in closed cultures where meaning rests with the community and cultures can only be understood from within.

    “The image of paradigms internally communicating, externally only interacting, closely resembles late eighteenth-early nineteenth-century romanticism. Romanticism is a belief in closed cultures. Meaning rests with the community.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    Anglo-Saxon critics have attacked the myth of the framework and the very idea of a conceptual scheme, focusing on the exaggeration of limits to communication; a solution to incommensurability lies in investigating the exaggeration of unlimited communication.

    “AngloSaxon criticisers have attacked 'the myth of the framework'(Popper, 1970) or 'the very idea of a conceptual scheme' (Davidson, 1974). They focus on the exaggeration of limits to communication. A solution to the problem of incommensurability is to be found in an investigation of the exaggeration of unlimited communication.20”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Popper, 1970 source
    • cites Davidson, 1974

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationnone given
    § How did it end?

    Keohane and others in the 1980s, especially around International Organization, conducted a surprisingly consistent and systematic attempt to create cumulative research from a few theoretical questions-the consequences of anarchy, polarity, and institutionalisation-which pushed toward less philosophical articles but became boring and unable to hold attention.

    “Stated differently: Keohane and others have in the 1980s – especially around the journal International Organization - conducted for the discipline a surprisingly consistent and systematic attempt to create cumulative research from a few theoretical questions (the consequences of anarchy, of polarity and of institutionalisation).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    Even if all debates could be constructed as nice typologies exhaustive and exclusive, they would still become misleading at a point when the practitioners had organised themselves along different lines, arguing the next debate.

    “Even if they could all be constructed as nice typologies exhaustive and exclusive - they would still become misleading at a point when the practitioners had organised themselves along different lines, arguing the next debate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    The new wave of English School enthusiasm ties in with the attempted rapprochement between reflectivists and rationalists, the deradicalisation of reflectivism, and the rephilosophisation of the rationalists.

    “The new wave of English School enthusiasm thus ties in with the attempted rapprochement between reflectivists and rationalists, with the deradicalisation of reflectivism and the rephilosophisation of the rationalists.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    Sovereignty is not an institution in the narrow rationalist sense but a thick social phenomenon with historicity, and its centrality and possible changes are hard to avoid for the present situation.

    “The issue of sovereignty especially has pushed the rationalists out of their own garden. Sovereignty is clearly not an 'institution'in the narrow rationalist sense, but rather a thick' social phenomenon with historicity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    There are dangerous effects of counting wrongly.

    “Thus, there are dangerous effects of counting wrongly.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    Grand synthesis and literal co-operation of several theories, even if logically incompatible in some abstract sense, become possible if the meta-theory is adjusted towards constructivism; this plays with incommensurability but against the cognitivist idea of different lenses creating different pictures of the same.

    “Grand 'synthesis' and (literal) co-operation (simultaneous running) of several theories (that might in some abstract sense be logically incompatible), thus becomes possible if the meta-theory is adjusted towards constructivism (Luhmann, 1990a, 1990b; Wæver, 1994). This in a sense is to play with incommensurability, but against the cognitivist idea of different lenses' that create different”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Luhmann, 1990a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Luhmann, 1990b

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Wæver, 1994

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    Self-reflection in International Relations of the 1980s and 1990s is blocked if presented with the choice of either using the triangle as scheme or abstaining from pictures of its own development.

    “Self-reflection in International Relations of the 1980s and 1990s is blocked if presented with the choice of either using the triangle as scheme or abstaining from pictures of its own development.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    The discipline is leaving the fourth debate.

    “and now I even claim that we are leaving the fourth.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationnone given
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    These debates and the ideas about the debates are part of the self-reflection and thus self-management of the discipline.

    “But more importantly these debates and the ideas about the debates are part of the self-reflection and thus selfmanagement of the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    Since debate in a discipline is an inter-subjective and interactive phenomenon, there will be a certain convergence.

    “Each of the debates first emerged as constellation, as implicit picture - the picture is not totally consistent from person to person, but since debate in a discipline is an inter-subjective and interactive phenomenon, there will be a certain convergence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    Incommensurability is only a meaningful term if combined with romanticising the warmth of community; it derives its meaning from the distinction between incommensurability and commensurability, a deeply problematic distinction.

    “Incommensurability is only a meaningful term if combined with romanticising the warmth of community (as we see in its replay today in US multi-culturalism). Incommensurability as concept derives its meaning from a distinction, the distinction between incommensurability and commensurability – a deeply problematic distinction”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    Based on realist premises-that all theories are ultimately talking about the same reality out there-a division of labour can have evolved because different explanatory sources are placed in different areas; each theory carves out its own explanatory mechanisms and sources in ways that do not overlap, so theories should be articulated rather than tested against each other.

    “Based on realist premises (i.e. that all theories are ultimately talking about the same reality out there), a division of labour can have evolved because the different explanatory sources are placed in different areas. Each theory carves out its own explanatory mechanisms and sources in ways that do not overlap. In the end they partly explain the same object, but they do not compete for this, and”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: All theories are ultimately talking about the same reality out there.
  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    The remaining argument often made for incommensurability-that the three paradigms are really political groupings corresponding to conservative, liberal, and radical orientations and therefore can never agree because their world views are tied to different normative programmes-ought to lead to a general relativism or perspectivism and can hardly sustain a picture of three paradigms; political Struc

    “There is, however, one remaining argument which is often made for incommensurability: these paradigms are really political groupings. The three paradigms' are obviously the three classical political main orientations: conservative, liberal and radical. Therefore, they can never be brought to agree. Not because of cognitive filters or the closedness of sign systems, but because their world views”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Krasner, 1989

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Little and Smith, 1991

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    In the 1990s there were increasing signs of rapprochement between rationalists and reflectivists, with leading rationalists showing boredom with rational choice extremes and reflectivists moving towards post-radical reflectivism.

    “In the 1990s there have been tendencies towards opening up a middle ground on the rationalist/reflectivist axis. After the clear polarisation between rationalists and reflectivists which was at times a rather tough struggle not least in the USA in the 1980s, we have in the 1990s witnessed increasing signs of rapprochement between the two.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    Post-structuralists argue that all meaning systems are open-ended systems of signs referring to signs referring to signs, so no concept can have an ultimate, unequivocal meaning; the image of closed paradigms assumes a closed sign system that post-structuralism denies.

    “Post-structuralists argue that all meaning systems are open-ended systems of signs referring to signs referring to signs.19 No concept can therefore have an ultimate, unequivocal meaning. The image of closed paradigms or any other closed culture assumes that a closed sign system has been achieved which gives a stable and ultimate meaning to its participants.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    The next phase will be defined in relation to this picture of the discipline.

    “Then in a second step, this constellation is labelled, which reinforces the constellation, but also guides the phase of moving beyond it, because the next phase will be defined in relation to this picture of the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationnone given
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    The inter-paradigm debate is a very informative metaphor for telling discipline history about the 1970s-early 1980s.

    “Probably, 'the inter-paradigm debate'should be retained as a very informative metaphor for telling discipline history about the 1970s-early 1980s.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The inter-paradigm debate was a debate of the 1970s-early 1980s.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    The inter-paradigm debate idea tends to produce straw men, not least of the realists.

    “Yes, there is a tendency in it to produce straw men, not least of the realists (cf. Buzan's chapter in this volume; Wæver, 1992, ch. 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Buzan's chapter in this volume

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Wæver, 1992, ch. 3

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    The debates are distinctions involved in the work of the discipline.

    “The debates are partly constructed and artificially imposed on much more diverse activities, partly they are implicit operators in actual academic practice, they are distinctions involved in the work of the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    Images of the internal battlelines do exist and they have effects.

    “On the other hand, images of the internal battlelines do exist and they have effects.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    Along the rationalist/reflectivist axis, extreme rationalists and extreme anti-IR approaches became increasingly marginalised, and a middle ground emerged where neo-institutionalists from the rationalist side meet constructivists from the reflectivist side; more philosophical issues became increasingly welcome in the mainstream.

    “Along the axis of debate of the 1980s – rationalist/reflectivist - we thus see an increasing marginalisation of extreme rationalists (rational choice) and of extreme anti-IR approaches (deconstructivists), and the emergence of a middle ground where neoinstitutionalists from the rationalist side meet constructivists arriving from the reflectivist side (Figure 7.4). More philosophical'issues are”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    The debates operate as a dialectic between implicit pictures and articulate self-representations of the discipline.

    “The debates' operate as a dialectic between implicit pictures and articulate selfrepresentations of the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    The picture of a debate is not totally consistent from person to person.

    “Each of the debates first emerged as constellation, as implicit picture - the picture is not totally consistent from person to person, but since debate in a discipline is an inter-subjective and interactive phenomenon, there will be a certain convergence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    The discipline seems to organise itself through a constant oscillation between grand debates and periods in-between where the previous contestants meet.

    “The discipline seems to organise itself through a constant oscillation between grand debates and periods in-between where the previous contestants meet.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    The quandary of incommensurability can be dealt with most fundamentally from a post-structuralist perspective.

    “I will argue the opposite: the quandary of incommensurability – which most commonsensical Anglo-Saxon minded social scientists find unacceptable but difficult to rebut – can be dealt with most fundamentally from a post-structuralist perspective.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    None of these debates lasts forever.

    “None of these debates lasts forever.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    In a second step, the constellation is labelled.

    “Then in a second step, this constellation is labelled, which reinforces the constellation, but also guides the phase of moving beyond it, because the next phase will be defined in relation to this picture of the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    One of these debates was the inter-paradigm debate.

    “One of these debates was the inter-paradigm debate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    In academic debates, there always have to be three positions, three options, three scenarios.

    “In academic debates, there always have to be three positions, three options, three scenarios.22”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Arendt (1972, p. 12)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    The debates are partly implicit operators in actual academic practice.

    “The debates are partly constructed and artificially imposed on much more diverse activities, partly they are implicit operators in actual academic practice, they are distinctions involved in the work of the discipline.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § How did it end?

    The English school fits the scheme because it is a respectable traditional approach with quasi-philosophical and historical reflection that interrogates deep institutions, can be linked to post-modernist notions, and its classics such as Bull's Anarchical Society offer clear operational concepts, allowing the American mainstream to extend institutionalism moderately.

    “The English school is a respectable, traditional approach which includes quasi-philosophical and historical reflection, and especially it interrogates deep institutions in the system. Thus, it can relatively easily be linked to more or less post-modernist notions”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    Each of the debates first emerged as a constellation, as an implicit picture.

    “Each of the debates first emerged as constellation, as implicit picture - the picture is not totally consistent from person to person, but since debate in a discipline is an inter-subjective and interactive phenomenon, there will be a certain convergence.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given
    § A strategic approach to IR debates'

    Danger arises especially when one model of schools gets fixed, such as the timeless triangle, and projected backwards as well as forwards, as the map of all possible positions.

    “Danger arises especially when one model of schools gets fixed, such as the timeless triangle, and projected backwards as well as forwards, as the map of all possible positions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    The theories do not modify each other; each has its separate area-domestic, international political structure, systemic pressure, political action and interaction-and each is an absolute demand, so the theoretician must accept the inner logic of a theory when entering an analysis in its terms.

    “The theories do not modify each other – they have each their separate area: domestic, international political structure, systemic pressure, political action and interaction. They are each absolute demands. The theoretician has to accept the inner logic of Waltzianism when he enters an analysis in terms of international political structure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § A post-modern solution to the problem of incommensurability

    The problem is not the concept of incommensurability but the concept of commensurability; the argument about incommensurability rests on a dichotomy between radical incommensurability/incommunicability among paradigms and radical commensurability/communicability within paradigms.

    “The first step is to notice that the concept of incommensurability is not the problem, the problem is the concept of commensurability. The argument about incommensurability rests on a dichotomy, between on the one hand radical incommensurability (and ultimate incommunicability) among paradigms and on the other hand radical commensurability and communicability within paradigms.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
90 of 90
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Scientific progress is a relevant goal for International Relations and is blocked by incommensurable paradigms.

    “the image of 'incommensurable' paradigms is a block to scientific progress”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The discipline's debates can be periodized into four great debates.

    “The first great debate in IR was that of idealism versus realism in the 1940s and the second was behaviouralism versus traditionalism in the 1950s-1960s.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The standard textbook presentation of IR as three paradigms is a sufficiently dominant target for critique.

    “A standard textbook presentation of International Relations (IR) has it that there are three paradigms, three dominant schools.”
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    All theories are ultimately talking about the same reality out there.

    “Based on realist premises (i.e. that all theories are ultimately talking about the same reality out there)”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Communication takes place all the time, so human beings experience that it makes sufficient sense for us (or most of us) to go on.

    “But communication takes place all the time, so obviously human beings experience that it makes sufficient sense for us (or most of us) to go on.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The fourth debate is between rationalists and reflectivists.

    “contestants of the fourth debate (rationalists and reflectivists)”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The inter-paradigm debate was a debate of the 1970s-early 1980s.

    “the inter-paradigm debate'should be retained as a very informative metaphor for telling discipline history about the 1970s-early 1980s.”
7 of 7

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Suhr citation year differs from reference

    Minor

    The note cites Suhr as 1995, but the Suhr entry in the references is dated 1996.

  • Keohane and Nye book has two titles

    Minor

    The note calls Keohane and Nye's book Power and Independence, while the references list their 1977 book as Power and Interdependence.

  • Wilde source year differs from reference

    Minor

    Table 7.1 lists Wilde as a 1989 source, but the Wilde work in the references is dated 1991.

3 of 3

Cites

The publisher hasn’t deposited this paper’s reference list.

Research works printed but not linked: 55

  1. Ashley, Richard (1984), 'The Poverty of Neo-realism', International Organization, 38 (2), pp. 225–86.
  2. Baldwin, David (ed.) (1993), Neorealism and Neoliberalism: The Contemporary Debate (New York: Columbia University Press).
  3. Banks, Michael (1984), The Evolution of International Relations Theory', in Michael Banks (ed.), Conflict in World Society: A New Perspective on International Relations (Harvester), pp. 1–21.
  4. (1985), 'The Inter-Paradigm Debate', in M. Light and A. J. R. Groom (eds.), International Relations: A Handbook of Current Theory (London: Pinter), pp. 7–26.
  5. (1986), The International Relations Discipline: Asset or Liability for Conflict Resolution', in E. A. Azar and J. W. Burton (eds.), International Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice (Sussex: Wheatsheaf), pp. 5-27.
  6. Bernstein, Richard J. (1991), The New Constellation: The Ethical-Political Horizons of Modernity/Postmodernity (Cambridge: Polity Press).
  7. Biersteker, Thomas J. (1989), Critical Reflections on Post-Positivism in International Relations', International Studies Quarterly, 33 (3), pp. 263-7.
  8. Bull, Hedley (1966 [1969]), 'International Theory: The Case for a Classical Approach', in K. Knorr and J. Rosenau (eds.), Contending Approaches to International Politics (Princeton: Princeton University Press), pp. 20–38.
  9. Buzan, Barry (1993), From International System to International Society: Structural Realism and Regime Theory meet the English School', International Organization, 47 (3), pp. 327–52.
  10. Buzan, Barry, Little, Richard and Jones, Charles (1993), The Logic of Anarchy: Neorealism to Structural Realism (New York: Columbia University Press).
  11. Der Derian, James (1987), On Diplomacy: A Genealogy of Western Estrangement (Oxford: Blackwell).
  12. Derrida, Jacques (1977 [1972]), Signature Event Context', Glyph, 1, pp. 172–97. (1978 [1967]), Writing and Difference (Chicago: University of Chicago Press).
  13. (1987), The Political Economy of International Relations (Princeton: Princeton University Press).
  14. (1990), Cooperation among Nations: Europe, America, and Non-tariff Barriers to Trade (Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press).
  15. Guzzini, Stefano (1988), T. S. Kuhn and International Relations: International Political Economy and the Inter-Paradigm Debate, London School of Economics and Political Science: unpublished MA thesis.
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Authors
Wæver, O.
Corresponding author
Wæver, Ole
Venue
International Theory
Published
1996-06-13
Pages
149-185
ISSN
1752-9719 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W1547679982
Cited by
335
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 20 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 22 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 18
FWCI
23.98
Type
book chapter
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
International Theory (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Political Science Research and Education
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › International Relations and Foreign Policy
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice
Keywords
realism, liberalism, Marxism, radicalism, structuralism, globalism, neorealism, neoliberalism, international relations theory, individual versus group, Kuhn

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