International Relations’ Theoretical Cycles: The Search for an Archimedean Point

Abstract

The study of international relations (IR) is characterized by several key theoretical debates. Each marks an attempt to search for a new Archimedean point — an objective ground that can act as a common framework for the entire scholarly community. IR’s Archimedean point has consis-tently shifted over time, in reactionary cycles. This article examines the relationship between the neo-neo debate (neorealism and neoliberalism) and critical theory, while evoking Caspar David Friedrich’s painting, “Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog” as a visual representation. It argues that the consistently reactive cycle of international relations theories is perpetuated by the search for an Archimedean point in a ‘disenchanted’ world. This article is structured in three main sections; it will begin with an introduction of IR theory, particularly the neo-neo debate. It will subsequently discuss the neo-neo synthesis — where the two schools of thought converge at an Archimedean point. Finally, it will dissect the rise of critical theory in response to the synthesis. 

International Relations (IR) theorists recognize that the development of the fi eld is character-ized by several pivotal debates. Each marks an attempt to search for a new Archimedean point — an objective ground that can act as a common framework for the entire scholarly community. An Archimedean point can be understood as a conventional wisdom, unassuming truth, or common fundamentals that a field agrees on. Throughout the development of IR, its Archimedean point has shifted from utopian aspirations to pessimistic reality, from historical interpretation to positivist scientism, from consistent framework to fragmentation. 

Examining the relationship between the neorealism-neoliberalism debate (hereafter referred to as the neo-neo debate) and critical theory, this article argues that the consistently reactive cycle of international relations theories is caused and perpetuated by the constant search for an Archime-dean point in a disenchanted world. ‘Disenchantment’ is a term popularized by German sociologist Max Weber to describe ‘rationalized’, ‘modernized’, and ‘secularized’ post-Enlightenment soci-eties (Chua 2016). Disenchantment refers to the abandonment of religion and the adoption of sci-entism and humanism — Weber posits that our modern society represents a disenchanted world.

Critical theory in IR emphasizes that an acceptance of the existing Archimedean point rein-forces a global liberal-capitalist status quo which marginalizes other states, and is unable to bring meaningful change. Critical theory, therefore, seeks to diversify theoretical grounds and advance IR thinking in a manner that can support the liberation of marginalized groups. While critical theo-ry’s diverse Archimedean points have led to disciplinary fragmentation, postmodernist views have eliminated the possibility of Archimedean points altogether — arguing that conventional wisdom is merely an artificial displacement and simulation. In the concluding section, piecing together all the theoretical shifts from neo-neos to postmodernism, I will demonstrate that IR’s search for Archimedean points is a result of the disenchantment of the social sciences.

This article is structured in three main sections. It will begin with an introduction of IR theory, particularly the neo-neo debate. It will subsequently discuss the neo-neo synthesis — where the two schools of thought converge at an Archimedean point. Finally, it will dissect the rise of critical theory in response to the synthesis.

The study of international relations (IR) is characterized by several key theoretical debates. Each marks an attempt to search for a new Archimedean point — an objective ground that can act as a common framework for the entire scholarly community. IR’s Archimedean point has consis-tently shifted over time, in reactionary cycles. This article examines the relationship between the neo-neo debate (neorealism and neoliberalism) and critical theory, while evoking Caspar David Friedrich’s painting, “Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog” as a visual representation. It argues that the consistently reactive cycle of international relations theories is perpetuated by the search for an Archimedean point in a ‘disenchanted’ world. This article is structured in three main sections; it will begin with an introduction of IR theory, particularly the neo-neo debate. It will subsequently discuss the neo-neo synthesis — where the two schools of thought converge at an Archimedean point. Finally, it will dissect the rise of critical theory in response to the synthesis. 

International Relations (IR) theorists recognize that the development of the field is character-ized by several pivotal debates. Each marks an attempt to search for a new Archimedean point — an objective ground that can act as a common framework for the entire scholarly community. An Archimedean point can be understood as a conventional wisdom, unassuming truth, or common fundamentals that a field agrees on. Throughout the development of IR, its Archimedean point has shifted from utopian aspirations to pessimistic reality, from historical interpretation to positivist scientism, from consistent framework to fragmentation.

Examining the relationship between the neorealism-neoliberalism debate (hereafter referred to as the neo-neo debate) and critical theory, this article argues that the consistently reactive cycle of international relations theories is caused and perpetuated by the constant search for an Archime-dean point in a disenchanted world. ‘Disenchantment’ is a term popularized by German sociologist Max Weber to describe ‘rationalized’, ‘modernized’, and ‘secularized’ post-Enlightenment soci-eties (Chua 2016). Disenchantment refers to the abandonment of religion and the adoption of sci-entism and humanism — Weber posits that our modern society represents a disenchanted world.

Critical theory in IR emphasizes that an acceptance of the existing Archimedean point rein-forces a global liberal-capitalist status quo which marginalizes other states, and is unable to bring meaningful change. Critical theory, therefore, seeks to diversify theoretical grounds and advance IR thinking in a manner that can support the liberation of marginalized groups. While critical theo-ry’s diverse Archimedean points have led to disciplinary fragmentation, postmodernist views have eliminated the possibility of Archimedean points altogether — arguing that conventional wisdom is merely an artificial displacement and simulation. In the concluding section, piecing together all the theoretical shifts from neo-neos to postmodernism, I will demonstrate that IR’s search for Archimedean points is a result of the disenchantment of the social sciences.

This article is structured in three main sections. It will begin with an introduction of IR theory, particularly the neo-neo debate. It will subsequently discuss the neo-neo synthesis — where the two schools of thought converge at an Archimedean point. Finally, it will dissect the rise of critical theory in response to the synthesis.