Actor-Network Theory, Methodology, and International Organization

Abstract

Since its initial formulation in science and technology studies, actor-network theory (ANT) has spread like wildfire throughout the social sciences. Wildfires are fueled by dry and flammable vegetation as well as hot, gusting winds. ANT finds flammable vegetation among those frustrated with many of the conventions, dualisms, and dilemmas of the traditional social sciences. ANT promises to liberate scholars from strict dualisms such as the nature/society divide and the agency/structure dilemma. It claims to open up a reflexive discourse on what constitutes the practice of science. ANT's avant-garde spirit further fuels the fire. Others reject ANT. They (rightfully) lament the often-awkward terminology of ANT, its lack of appropriately defined models and concepts, its literary style of presentation, as well as the radical rhetoric that often comes along with it. For many, the question of what actually constitutes ANT remains mysterious, and it is often unclear whether it is more than a “new materialist” argument for taking objects, things, and technology seriously. I would like to begin by exploring why it is difficult to provide a clear-cut answer to the questions “What is ANT?” and “What can I use it for?” I then suggest that ANT is anything but radical. It shares many concerns with the pragmatist and practice theoretical ideas that have recently been introduced to IR. Ideas from ANT enrich our theoretical and methodological repertoire for understanding the international. I suggest that ANT offers a fruitful toolbox for research: It encourages the researcher to seek proximity to the practices studied, to build theory from empirical insights, and to rethink the character of representation. ANT-inspired studies promise to provide major insights for understanding the worlds of international relations. Actor-network theory is a loose and heterogeneous conglomerate of studies that, on the one hand, are very empirical, often examining seemingly “exotic” …