Realism and Progress in International Relations

Abstract

AbstractChapter 20 reflects on the project as a whole and gets underway with a review of specific accomplishments from Parts I–IV and Chapter 19. This final chapter assesses realism in an overall sense in light of an extensive graphic review of its theories in the context of the causes of war. Is realism a scientifically viable research enterprise? This question is answered affirmatively, but tentatively. Potential exists but remains unrealized for realism, which must meet rather than eschew scientific standards in order to move forward. Accomplishment of that goal through adoption of a systemist graphic approach to communication, in turn, would facilitate comparison to any other research enterprise that subsequently is identified in the same way as for realism within this volume. The chapter also offers several ideas about future research, and its final thoughts are on the prospects of realism as a scientific research enterprise.