Introduction: Le realisme refute?

In: Études internationales: revue trimestrielle, Band 35, Heft 4, S. 613-622

Abstract

This article introduces a series of articles addressing the state of international theory after 9/11 & its consequences. In presenting a history of the term "theory," here cast in the sense of Thucydides, it is suggested that the aim of international theorists is to help lend meaning to events by observing facts given about international phenomena. This view is turned to the attacks of September 11, 2001, & Operation Iraqi Freedom. In establishing the central tenets of realism, this introduction attempts to orient debate towards the decision-making policies & positions surrounding these two major events in international relations. These central tenets of realism appear, in this context, to be those very principles that have been subverted throughout the course of these developments. It is the state of realism & its shifting degree of applicability to the development of relations between key international actors through which articles in this series turn to discuss main events in contemporary international relations. 45 References. C. Brunski