The epistemology of international politics- offensive realism and the Neorealist Scientific Research Program

Copyright

• Open-access article under the Creative Commons Attribution License.

• Allows unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium with proper credit to the original author and source.

Abstract

• Analysis of the scientificity and progressiveness in international politics.

• Key Claims:

  1. Waltz’s neorealism is part of a scientific research program (SRP).

  2. Mearsheimer’s offensive realism redefines the Neorealist SRP, contributing theoretical amendments.

  3. Offensive realism is both theoretically and empirically progressive.

• Keywords: Epistemology; Neorealism; Offensive realism; Research programs; Science.

• Article Reception Dates: Received: September 21, 2022 | Accepted: October 26, 2022.

Introduction

• Importance of assessing theoretical and empirical progress in International Relations (IR).

• Significant focus on Kenneth Waltz’s neorealism as a key theoretical output.

• Argument that Waltz’s work should not be seen in isolation but as a scientific research program.

• Mearsheimer’s offensive realism is a developmental perspective within this framework.

Methodology

• Imre Lakatos’ Methodology of Scientific Research Programs (MSRP) serves as the epistemological basis.

• IR scholars view their theories collectively, leading to a tolerance for competing theories.

• Historical context of epistemological reflections in IR, addressing misapplications of Lakatos.

Lakatos’ Methodology and Neorealism

• Lakatos critiques previous epistemological frameworks (e.g., Popper and Kuhn).

• Emphasizes the importance of methodological guidelines in evaluating scientific progress.

• Introduces a sophisticated version of falsificationism focused on comparative theory analysis.

Scientific Research Programs (SRPs)

• Four Components of SRPs:

  1. Hard Core: Fundamental, protected assumptions.

  2. Negative Heuristic: Restrictions on challenging hard core assumptions.

  3. Positive Heuristic: Guidance for theoretical modifications.

  4. Protective Belt: Auxiliary hypotheses that can be adjusted.

• The article outlines neorealism's SRP and its resilience against criticisms (e.g., Vasquez).

Waltz's Neorealism

• Identifies the characteristics of the international political structure—anarchy and power distribution—shaping state behavior.

• Neorealism posits that survival is the ultimate goal of states.

Key Propositions of Neorealism

1. Unitary Actors: States act as single entities focused on survival.

2. Self-help System: States are responsible for their security and resources.

3. Security Dilemma: States' efforts to ensure security can provoke insecurity in others.

4. Balance of Power: Central theme in international relations; states must balance against threats.

Offensive Realism

• Mearsheimer defines his theory as addressing the causes of state power competition and amount of desired power.

• Introduces five basic assumptions about international life.

  1. The international system is anarchic.

  2. States have offensive military capabilities.

  3. States are uncertain of other states’ intentions.

  4. Survival is the primary goal.

  5. Great powers are rational actors.

Theoretical Amendments

• Maintains state-centered approach and unitary actor assumption.

• Introduces the rational-actor assumption to predict behavior based on power position.

• Describes regional hegemony as the goal of states under the theory of offensive realism.

Theoretical and Empirical Progress

• Offensive realism is positioned as a progressive enhancement of the Neorealist SRP by:

  • Addressing revisionist behavior and power-maximizing tendencies.

  • Providing insights into historical cases reflecting these dynamics.

  • Compiling evidence of state behavior contrary to previously established neorealist assumptions.

Predictions and Future Directions

• New theoretical and empirical predictions regarding the success and application of offensive realism.

• Challenges posed by current global dynamics and the future of American foreign policy.

Conclusion

• Offensive realism as a viable intra-programmatic theoryshift validates the scientific rigor of the Neorealist SRP.

• Potential for further theoretical and empirical progress within the Neorealist framework.