REFLEXIVITY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY

In: Millennium: journal of international studies, Band 22, Heft 1, S. 53-76

Abstract

THIS PAPER EXAMINES THE CURRENT STATE, AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, OF REFLEXIVE THEORIZING. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY'S "THIRD DEBATE" IS RE-EXAMINED FOR EVIDENCE OF A BREAK WITH POSITIVIST FORMS OF THEORIZING AND IN TERMS OF ITS CONTRIBUTION TO A REFLEXIVE DISPOSITION IN THE DISCIPLINE. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT: (1) CONTRARY TO PREVIOUS ASSESSMENTS, THE THIRD DEBATE OFFERS LITTLE EVIDENCE OF A SHIFT TO POST-POSITIVIST, REFLEXIVE THEORIZING ABOUT INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND (2) TO THE EXTENT THAT EVIDENCE OF REFLEXIVITY IS TO BE FOUND, IT IS LOCATED NOT IN THE MAINSTREAM BUT AT THE MARGINS OF THE DISCIPLINE.