Just as a nuclear physicist constructs a theory about the causes and
effects of a project before going out to the test range and detonating,
it's important that scholars and practitioners of international
relations have a strong framework of theory before going out onto the UN
floor. Trial and error is not an option, whether it's diplomacy or
nuclear physics! Through international theory, we can examine scenarios
and motivations regarding states to "understand the causes of events
that occur in international relations every day" (Mingst, 3).
Throughout history, we as a society have tried and erred many times. In
fact, compared with the bulk of human history, we have been lacking an
effective global system until recently: "[F]or most of its 350 year
existence the global system has lacked... collective norms, and has only
begun since World War II to articulate them..." (notes, "A System of
States"). Without an effective theoretical framework, we are forced to
make the same diplomatic mistakes over and over again. Trial and error
rears its ugly head.
International relations is such an esoteric field. It takes in history,
psychology (both mass and individual-level), economics, media studies,
engineering, and military science. To wrap our brains around all the
factors and forces that motivate the actors on the international stage
takes open-mindedness, courage, and the ability to think theoretically.
Sources:
Kaufman, Daniel J. Understanding International Relations. 5th Edition, Boston, McGraw Hill Companies, 2004.
Mingst, Karen A. Essentials of International Relations. 3rd Edition, New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2004. 3.
"A System of States", class notes.