The Discursive Turn in International Relations Research: Bad Science?
Though it may be considered ‘bad science’ by positivists, the lack of formal methodology in discourse analysis allows for an analysis of the discursive representations of world politics.
Assessing al-Qaeda from the Teachings of Ibn Taymiyya
This essay assesses the validity of the 9/11 Commission’s assertion that the teachings of Ibn Taymiyya, the 13th century Hanbali theologian, influenced al-Qaeda.
Can Objections to Singer’s ‘Famine Relief Argument’ be Morally Justified?
There are numerous conflicts between the FRA and our common intuition. Consequent objections against the FRA may be plausible, but do not provide sufficient moral justification to reject the FRA.
Making and Breaking of European Governments
Sources of government formation and stability are not limited to institutional frameworks, but are extended to the human agency of politicians and parties, as well as to economic conditions.
Chain-Ganging and the Outbreak of World War I: Causation or Coincidence?
Whilst the ‘chain-ganging’ theory can explain aspects of the outbreak of WWI, Realist scholars have over-estimated the extent to which it was the primary cause of war in Europe.
Iran’s Rational Response For Nuclear Capability
With Israel not a member of the NPT, coupled with being labeled the greatest threat to the US, Iran is making a rational move in seeking nuclear capability to deter abroad threats.
Establishing Accountability for IGOs and States
By recognizing non-state actors as rights holders and duty bearers, the challenge of establishing accountability for international organizations and unrecognized states can be met.
Was Marx a Positivist?
While Marx shares many methodological beliefs with positivism, there are also important conflicts. To label Marx a positivist would therefore ignore or undermine aspects crucial to his thought.
Bitcoin vs. Dollar Hegemony
The dollar is seeing its hegemony exhausted and its world reserve status threatened. The concept of virtual currencies is becoming increasingly appealing, particularly the Bitcoin.
Elites and Democracy in China
Though it has been argued that China will democratize in the near future, only time will tell whether the elites will perceive the benefits of democracy as outweighing the costs.
