Realism and International Relations: A Graphic Turn Toward Scientific Progress

Realism is one of the core theories within the field of international relations, and it generally posits a state system characterized by anarchy where states act in what they perceive to be their own self interests.It is a controversial theory, and it has many opponents.Yet effective debate among realists and those who identify with other schools of thought has diminished dramatically over time.As Patrick James argues in Realism and International Relations, scholars in the field have become dissatisfied with results from exchanges in words alone.He contends that translation of the vast amount of information in the field into knowledge requires a greater emphasis on communication beyond the use of text.Given the challenges posed by existing and intensifying information overload, he develops a new model that relies on the graphic representation of analytical arguments. As James explains, realist scholarship in the post-World War II era is the natural domain for the application of systemi