Post-Positivism (International Relations)

Post-positivism is a theory in the field of political-scientific consideration of international relations , which epistemologically (epistemologically) questions positivism . Post-positivism negates the basic assumption that empirical observation practiced in the natural sciences can also be applied to the social sciences . Post-positivist approaches increasingly emerged in the 1990s, especially in the Anglo-Saxon region. Even the post-modernism , the critical theory , the neo-gramscianism and social constructivism be understood as post-positivist theories.

definition

Post-positivist (or reflectionist) theories in international relations seek to address a wider range of concerns. Proponents of the theory argue that if international relations include foreign policy issues and relationships, non-state actors must also be considered along with states. One should not only consider the “high politics” of states, but also the “everyday world”, which includes not only “high politics” but also “low politics”.

Political questions such as gender relations or ethnic origin are cited as examples . They complemented, not replaced, the traditional view of international relations, which largely encompassed questions of diplomacy or war .

The post-positivist approach could be described as a skepticism towards scientist explanations in international relations, which in principle casts doubt on all-encompassing representations to explain the international system. It is argued that neither realism , neorealism , regime theory nor liberalism are sufficient to explain. The main difference would be that positivist theories point out how power is actively implemented. Post-positivism directs the focus on how power is experienced, both from the perspective of the actors and those affected.

Often times, post-positivist theories encourage a normative approach to international relations by incorporating questions of ethics . This question is neglected in the traditional treatment of international relations, which emphasizes positive facts and normative evaluations. Post-positivists argue that discourse establishes reality. In other words: a truly independent, fact-oriented, power-free knowledge cannot exist.

Post-positive theories do not claim to be scientific or social science . On the contrary, they are an attempt to understand international political phenomena through in-depth case analysis and to ask relevant questions about how the current state determines political power constellations .

Outside of international relations

Post-positivist approaches are also dealt with outside of international relations; the British-Austrian philosopher Karl Popper is sometimes referred to as a post-positivist.

See also

• Interdependence Theory Approach

literature

• Siegfried Schieder , Manuela Spindler (ed.): Theories of international relations. 3rd, revised and updated edition. Leske + Budrich, Opladen / Farmington Hills, Mich. 2010, ISBN 978-3-8252-2315-1 .
• Ralph Pettman: World Politics: Rationalism and Beyond. Palgrave, London / New York 2001, ISBN 0-333-80360-4 .

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b} Barbara Fincke: Feminist approaches . In: Siegfried Schieder, Manuela Spindler (ed.): Theories of International Relations . 2nd Edition. Barbara Budrich Verlag, Obladen / Farmington Hills 2003, ISBN 3-8252-2315-9 , p. 499 ff . ( limited preview in Google Book search).
2. ↑ Michael Schmidt: Positivism or Postpositivism? In: The Popper Newsletter (4) 1/2. Retrieved July 16, 2012 .