My reasons for taking the course was primarily as a counter balance to policy analysis and other “applied” courses in the Poli Sci/IR spectrum. IR theories, for me at least, are lens in a toolkit for an aspiring wonk. Previously I was an analyst in the military and know first hand that the myriad disciplines of intelligence, HUMINT, GEOINT, MASINT, SIGINT, etc have their own vocabulary, leans, focuses, biases, and margins for error, likewise IR theory has disciplines. To that end, just as the synergy of intelligence operations can give a more robust holistic view on an isolated event, I believe that IR can similarly synergize to provide a greater insight together than a myopic analysis in one lens.
To do that to any level of success requires more than arms length knowledge and this brings me to the course. Beyond just a rote memorization of what an IR theory is and its vocal point, 367B seeks to better inform by outlining the limits of those theories.
That’s the whole appeal for my being here. IR is a host of lenses through which we can learn disciplines, practice them, apply them, and garner deeper insight into global affairs. I hope to explore that selection of lenses more so that I can synergize disciplines of IR going forward. Not unlike what Professor Crawford tabled, being in the medium is where I prefer to be. The world is amorphous and making sense of it is difficult. Rather than limit oneself to a singular discipline, a myopic interpretation of events, having several to choose from or blend is the sensible approach in my viewpoint.
A recently posted article by Alex Ward on VOX[1] applies IR theory to extrapolating Trump’s China policy and its deeper meaning and motives. This, while not academic or overtly IR Theory, is the kind of toolbox approach I aspire to reach. One through which a case study can be taken and the lenses set to it. The conclusions from each lens can then be fused in some manner to garner a greater understanding of contemporary world politics but also bi-lateral relations between the US and PRC.
IR is, at least from my perspective, not just a fusion of multiple academic disciplines but more a philosophy than a science. Seeking to interpret and explicate motives but difficult to ground in metrics and facts. We need philosophy to balance the science, the thorough accounting and analysis in tandem with the conceptual and theoretical. I recognize that need in my perspective and its for that reason I took this course.
[1]https://www.vox.com/world/2018/9/18/17790600/us-china-trade-war-trump-tariffs-taiwan