The Structure of the Theoretical Revolution in International Relations

Abstract

The prevailing view concerning the development of theory international relations is that the fleld is beset by bewildering variety of theoretical approaches, models, and concepts-that it is in as much state of change, chaos, and confusion as the contemporary world scene whiich it seeks to comprehend (Harrison, 1964: 3)-and that theorizing on international relations is of only fairly recent origin (Knorr and Verba, 1961: 1). In fact, Wight (1966a: 17) maintains that if international relations theory means a tradition of speculation about relations between states, tradition imagined as the twin of speculation about the state to which the name 'political theory' is appropriated, it can hardly be said to exist at all. This essay will argue, on the contrary, that there is considerably more theory international relations-particularly classical theory-than is apparent at first sight, that rather clear pattern canl be discerned its development, and that this patterni corresponds closely to the general developmental pattern of scientific disciplinies outlined Thomas S. Kuhn's (1 970a) illuminating book The Structure of Scientific Revoluttions (first