Abstract

NUNES, João. What is international relations theory for?. Relações Internacionais [online]. 2012, n.36, pp.11-22. ISSN 1645-9199.

The present article has two objetives. Firstly, it reflects upon the functions of theory. Here, the article differentiates three fundamental purposes of theory: the analysis of reality; the constitution of reality; and political practice. These three purposes - which are interconnected - provide three levels of theoretical intervention. Secondly, and drawing on these three levels, the article reflects on the place of “theorists” vis à vis the empirical world. Here, the article draws inspiration on the critical turn, but at the same time refuses the foreclosing of critique in formulas and labels. Instead, it makes the case for a theoretical intervention aimed at identifying social vulnerabilities and contributing to political transformation.

Keywords : theory; critic; emancipation; pos -positivism.

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