On the theoretical deficit in the study of war

Abstract

The volume of research on the causes and consequences of war has grown significantly over the last two decades. Since its origins, it has been criticized for the lack of theoretical guidance and its failure to produce integrative cumulativeness. The assessment provided here is contrary to the very bleak picture generally drawn and argues that there has been some progress. Furthermore, it is suggested that the kind of closure some critics hold up as an ideal is misleading and inappropriate. Enhancement of the quality of this sort of research in the future is argued to depend upon (1) the continued development of contending theoretical formulations wherein war is seen as part of the broader range of international relations, (2) close attention to the various aspects of the war process, and (3) efforts to solidify organizational elements of the field.