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