Evolving toward an Evolutionary Perspective

Abstract

The evolutionary approach offers a new paradigm for the study of international relations. This approach offers several advantages including evolutionary theory's ability to analyze the increasingly complex, interdependent, & coevolving nature of world politics & the global economy; its emphasis on the present rather than the future; & its capacity to generate new & better political theories. These advantages are highlighted in the papers that follow. Though the various authors do not reach a general consensus regarding the role of evolutionary theory, the ideas presented here strengthen the existing understanding of this new international relations paradigm. The first set of papers focuses on the central questions apparent in the evolutionary approach. The second examines the "bridges" that are evident between evolutionary international relations theory & other frameworks. The third applies evolutionary international relations theory to intergroup rivalry relationships. The fourth outlines the manner in which evolutionary arguments can be applied to the international political economy. K. Larsen