Importance of meta-theory and empirical support

The field of International relations is one which provides to us an in depth perception of how political world really functions. The subject presents a range of International Relation theories. Analysing these theories provides us with the opportunity to support the theory which is in line with our perception of a state's economic and strategic conditions.

      In his article, 'The Long Road to Theory', Stanley Hoffman discusses the types of International relations theories, and provides to us the shortcomings each of them face. Theories have been divided on the basis of them being normative, policy and empirical in nature. I completely agree with Hoffman's viewpoint that International relation theories lack empirical support for their claims. Without solid proof and data, theories remain only theories. They cannot be proven, and therefore, support for them may be unreliable. As it is true, features of these IR theories such as self-interest and power cannot be measured, empirical data should be presented by assessing the growth of the theory over time, to  measure if it would be sustainable even in the future.

        To avoid criticism, International Relation theories need to have a stronger base. To gain support of other sciences and provide credibility, these theories need to be reconditioned. For this reconditioning to be successful, meta-theory is imperative, as stated Colin Elman and Miriam Fendius Felman in their article, "How not to be Lakatos Intolerant: Appraising Progess in IR Research". There is also a need for there for be a balance between them being normative, policy and empirical in nature. If these conditions are met, International Relations will prevent its self-destruction.