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International norms are, by definition, a factor of stability in the international system. Nevertheless empirical evidence shows that norms are constantly changing, which raises questions on the ability of norms to regulate inter-states relations & prevent conflicts. This article analyses the cycle of norm diffusion, tracing the origin of norms, their diffusion, contestation & change. It investigates the relationship between interests & identity & between structure & agency in the process of norm diffusion, & discusses the implications of this process on international cooperation. Adapted from the source document.

This article traces the formation of a new discipline -- international political economy (IPE) -- in terms both of concepts & theoretical debates, & of the social process of its institutionalization, as shown by journals, textbooks, course offerings, & Internet Websites. In its first part, this article presents some well-known definitions of IPE & illustrates different types of theory. Special attention is given to Robert Gilpin, because of the importance of his work & the evolution of his thinking about IPE. In the second, the 30-year life of IPE is analyzed to identify the most important events leading to the creation of a new field of social research: the organization of conferences in the early 1970s; the publication of important books written by unorthodox economists like Kindleberger & Hirschman; & theoretical debates. The work of R. W. Cox, which is related to the "Gramscian turn" in international relations, is a particular focus of attention. Finally, the consequences of the "Fourth Debate" on positivism in international relations are considered in terms of the connection of IPE with constructivism, historical sociology, & the "cultural turn" in the social sciences. The third part shows how the debate on IPE has moved from being fully internal to (American) political science, to include general concerns about the social sciences at the beginning of the 21st century. An extensive bibliography follows. 210 References. Adapted from the source document.

The political role of international theoretical discourse is an essential & most contested issue in the IR contemporary debate. The resistance of traditional perspectives to the inclusion of self-reflective elements on the agenda of international political analysis reflects the inadequacy of the theoretical framework to bear the ambiguous relation between political & theoretical discourse. I argue that metaphorical analysis has the potential both to offer an important self-reflective contribution to IR discipline & to discard its theoretical boundaries -- as defined by positivist & neopositivist assumptions. Political metaphors establish meanings that frame both political & theoretical discourse. The distinction between these two, albeit possible on analytic grounds, is in practice much less tenable; the cognitive representations of each commonly spill over to the other. Once metaphorically established, the meanings attached to these representations play a role that is both influential & latent or, more precisely, influential because latent. The analysis of political metaphors offers the opportunity to shed some light on & investigate the latent meanings that theoretical discourse assimilates from political discourse & vice versa. However, the theoretical requirements of metaphoric analysis are not compatible with the main assumptions that constitute the theoretical framework of IR traditional perspectives. The second part of the article presents reasons why metaphoric analysis, while comfortably adaptable to critical & constructivist research programs, does indeed "threaten" IR disciplinary boundaries -- as defined by the realist, pluralist, & structuralist triad -- but it also offers the opportunity to expand them toward grounds that appear more acceptable both socially & theoretically. 1 Table, 84 References. Adapted from the source document.

This article criticizes overly ambitious definitions of globalization both on theoretical & empirical grounds. Globalization seems to be a less universal & unprecedented process than often described. It also seems that its most important effects are limited to the economic sphere, while in the political one it has not destroyed the traditional organization of states or the heterogeneous nature of the international system. Its main political effects are twofold. On the one hand, in the more globalized areas, open economies demonstrate & reinforce more peaceful international relations. On the other hand, in the less globalized areas, conflicts may arise between those who want to integrate into the world economy & those who are opposed. The most important political issue arising from globalization may therefore be the future relationship between the more & the less globalized areas. 2 Tables, 4 Figures, 68 References. Adapted from the source document.

The article discusses the recent debate on the democratic peace hypothesis & its likely consequences on today's international system. After an analysis of causal relationships explaining the link between democracy & peace, the article argues that empirical evidence supports the hypothesis. The separate peace among democracies does not concern relationships between democracies & nondemocracies, which could even be exacerbated by ideological disputes. The question of the enlargement of democracy then becomes paramount, & leads to a choice between indirect promotion & forced export. Although in recent years there has been a significant increase of democratization, both these choices present strong limits. Tables, References. Adapted from the source document.

The article aims to enrich our understanding of the double-concept of "peace/war" in international relations, & of its place in international theory, starting from an examination of its relations with issues of power & freedom. The authors look at history to comprehend the essential features of peace & war in different systems of states as they have historically developed; but they also turn to contemporary international politics to highlight the ways in which both peace & war have changed since the end of the Cold War. Finally, the article investigates the politics of "peace/war" in the international order of today, with particular reference to globalization & the role of American hegemony. Adapted from the source document.

Two claims about the nature & scope of theories in International Relations can be found in Kenneth Waltzs work. The first claim is that it is possible to develop a theory of international politics, ie., a theory that is capable to predict the outcomes of interactions among states without necessarily predicting their foreign policy behavior. The second claim is that it is possible to develop a structural theory of politics, ie., a theory that rigorously separates structural & unit-level causes & only considers the former. This note argues the following: G) the two claims are distinct; (ii) Waltz does not separate them consistently; (iii) he defends the first claim by using arguments that support the second claim; (iv) the first claim is not plausible; (iv) the second claim is plausible, but it needs to be qualified. Figures, References. Adapted from the source document.

The debate upon the waning of war encompasses nearly all the major cleavages of contemporary International Relations Theory. The goals of this article are threefold. Firstly, we will offer an extensive and articulated review of the literature, one which parts company with the most common reviews relying on such criteria as the level of analysis or the different approaches to the discipline. Secondly, we aim at enriching the contemporary debate, by taking into consideration some past and somehow more radical contributes, dating back to the European Civil War of the XX century. Finally, our last goal is highlighting some silences and distortions which contribute to hinder the debate upon the decline of war, while reflecting, at the same time, characteristic biases which the IR theory has not overcome yet. Adapted from the source document.