The closing of the American mind: : �American School� International Relations and the state of grand theory

• Autores: Daniel J. Levine, Alexander D. Barder
• Localización: European Journal of International Relations, ISSN-e 1460-3713, Vol. 20, Nº. 4, 2014, págs. 863-888
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Senior �American School� International Relations theorists � John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, Robert Keohane, and others � have evinced a growing concern about a rise of technocratic hypothesis-testing, and a parallel decline in grand theory. We share many of their concerns; yet, we also find such discussions deeply unsatisfying. Grand theory descends into �technocracy� because of reifying and depoliticizing processes deeply woven into both thought and the academic vocation. While confronting such processes is possible, these same scholars are among those who dismiss � and have long dismissed � the key intellectual moves that would sustain such a confrontation. That infelicitous combination, we argue, is unlikely to produce a renaissance of grand theory; indeed, past precedent suggests that it will further stifle it. To suggest how these theorists might better revalorize grand theory, we develop disciplinary-historical case studies around two key research programs: neo-functionalism and structural liberalism. Both were the product of an abiding commitment to grand theory; yet, both fell into reified and depoliticized stances that left little space for such theory. Breaking that cycle of reification and depoliticization might yet be possible; but it will require thinking beyond the call for �more grand theory.�