Theory Section
Welcome to the ISA Theory Section
The purpose of this new section is to offer scholars of International Relations (IR) a forum to develop and debate theory. Most of our insights and arguments about world politics rest on theory; it permeates research, teaching and informs the decisions made by practitioners. And yet, there is no consensus among IR scholars what qualifies as a (good) theory, what distinguishes it from a ‘framework’ or a ‘perspective’, and, indeed, what theorizing entails. Moreover, growing theoretical pluralism seems to have spurred a compartmentalisation of the IR community rather than lively debates about the nature and practice of theorising.
Given this state of affairs, the Theory Section has three main aims: (i) Promoting the importance of theory in IR scholarship and encouraging scholars to interrogate the meaning and purpose of theory, how theories develop, how they relate to history and affect policymaking; (ii) fostering research networks and opportunities for collaboration and exchange, regardless of regional/topical expertise and across the theoretical spectrum; and (iii) enhancing the dialogue between IR and Political Theory and the status of IR scholars as political theorists. The TS will pursue these aims through a mailing list, newsletters, workshops and conference panels in collaboration with likeminded organizations and ISA sections.
Backed by a distinguished Advisory Board, we are committed to building the Theory Section into a vibrant forum for the global community of IR scholars and invite all theoretically curious ISA members to join. For a more detailed rationale see the proposal, accepted 15 March 2011 (PDF).
Felix Berenskoetter
Janice Bially Mattern
Andrew Neal
Rosemary Shinko
- TS Executive Committee (2011-13)
