Session 3: Hoffman and IR

A lot of people think international relations is like a game of chess. But it's not a game of chess, where people sit quietly, thinking out their strategy, taking their time between moves. It's more like a game of billiards, with a bunch of balls clustered together.   -Madeleine Albright

Stanley Hoffmann‘s “The Long Road to Theory” is a value added contribution to the field of International relation. Stanley Hoffmann (born 27 November 1928) is the University Professor at Harvard University. He pursued an academic career in the United State and founded Harvard's Center for European Studies in 1968. Stanley systematically synthesized, appraised and identified his research and provided a transparent study to its readers. His essay is not merely mirroring the situation but it is a gate keeping policing and a productive piece of writing, which is focused, clear and comprehensive to the readers.

Hoffman’s purpose of writing is to positively contribute to the field of International relation which not necessarily means totally new direction. However, modification of current research method is necessary .His essay is divided in three sections. In first section, the writer described the problems face by International Relation field. In second section, He criticized the current approaches to a general theory of International Relation. In last section, Hoffman gave some suggestions to improve the field of International Relations. His critical assessment of IR based on individual understanding is situated and partial which minimize the risk of bise and reader itself must be able to draw the same conclusion.