Session 19: Prospects of International Theory in a Post-Postivist Era

Prospects of International Theory in a Post-Positivist Era was definitely a tedious read. Yosef Lapid in this piece shows the evolution of International Relations Theory to something new. This new thing is yet another debate or ‘Third Debate.’ After a string of debates from 1920s to the 60s, International Relations has been riddled with debates. What makes the Third Debate different is that it originates in a post-positivist era and it’s an inter paradigm debate between realism, liberalism, Marxist approaches to International theory.

According to Lapid the development of International theory in a post-positivist era should be looked at with optimism.The fall of positivism offered a more open and diverse platform for the study of International Theory. Diversity of methodology, ideas, etc should be celebrated rather than shunned. Lapid to show the evolution of this debate focuses on three themes; ‘paradigmatism’, ‘perspectivism’ and ‘relativism.’ 

Paradagmatism asserts that long lived, large scaled and multitiered constructs should be appreciated. Perspectivism argues that one should be cautious of making assumptions. “As once a set of guiding assumptions is elevated to thematic status, the perspectivist arguments suggests it becomes hight resistant to both evidence and logical criticism.” Lastly, relativism undermines objectivity and truth, the move towards relativism according to Lapid has led to ‘three noteworthy ramifications’. One of which is that methodological monism is made obsolete. There is a move towards plurality. International Relations is not something that is stringent but fluid and these three themes elevate and set this tone.