IR theory

Theories of international relations are used to study international relations from a theoretical point of view in order to explain social phenomena in relations between actors of international relations, or make generalizations about the dynamics of international relations. IR theories can be both causally explanatory and normatively constituting. The basic theoretical currents from which research in international relations develops are realism, liberalism and constructivism. The following professional debates reflecting on various phenomena, political behavior or the desired future of humanity are usually in conflict with each other in accordance with these currents, and there is also the ongoing debate on the relevance of these currents to the study of international relations. This also includes the ongoing professional debate on the role of the researcher, namely on whether they should study the dynamics of international relations without interfering in them or, conversely, whether they should be a researcher who is committed to a political cause. Given that in addition to basic research, we also publish policy papers at the IIR, it can be stated that the researchers who write them are engaged in politics, although in professional debates we contribute to the deepening of theoretical debates through empirical and theoretical research.