Why IR Theory Is Important to National Security Professionals - Dr. Paul Kan and Dr. Chris Bolan, USAWC

Enables students to frame foreign policy arguments and understand how others (think tanks, other strategists, etc.) frame their arguments (Dr. Kan)

Map analogy: Need different maps for different purposes and to highlight different features (it's a choice) (Dr. Kan)

Nation States

Non-state actors

International Institutions

How do they interact and create new situations requiring analysis and response?

What critical assumptions are being made about the environment?

Theories

Realism

Liberalism

Constructivism

State interests (primary): can only be determined empirically and can change over time

Beliefs about the world: can only be determined empirically and are shaped by prevailing norms and ideas; interactions with others

State interests (primary): security and power

Beliefs about the world: the world is anarchic and zero sum; military and economic power are the most important tools

State interests (primary): prosperity and values

Beliefs about the world: cooperation is possible and international organizations can solve collective action problems

Focus on impact of culture, ideas and identity

Enables you to establish priorities on your agenda based on the theory used

Climate change and terrorist threat, as examples