What is the state of complexity in International Relations?
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Complexity has increasingly influenced International Relations (IR), offering new perspectives on global dynamics. Scholars have turned to complexity theory to understand emergent phenomena like geopolitical shocks and pandemics . The discipline has expanded beyond traditional state-centric frameworks, embracing complexity thinking to study a broader range of actors and interactions in the global system . In IR theory, complexity has been integrated with the English School theory, reconfiguring international society as a complex social system and emphasizing the importance of institutional interconnections at the global level . States play a crucial role in driving regime complexity within international organizations, with motivations such as power, reputation, and geopolitical opportunities influencing their actions . Overall, complexity has enriched IR by providing innovative analytical tools to navigate the intricacies of today's interconnected world.
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| States drive regime complexity through overlapping memberships and policy competencies in international organizations. Motivations like power, reputation, and geopolitical structures influence the extent of complexity in International Relations. | |
15 Feb 2021 | Complexity in International Relations is viewed as a fundamental structural condition, involving fragmentation and clustering effects, highlighting the interconnected nature of global institutional ordering practices. |
| Complexity thinking has gained ground in International Relations, offering insights into emergent phenomena like geopolitical shocks. It enhances understanding of world affairs, emphasizing adaptability and resilience in policymaking. | |
| The state of complexity in International Relations has evolved beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing diverse perspectives and challenging conventional frameworks, reflecting a dynamic and multifaceted discipline. | |
| Complexity theory offers two approaches in International Relations: "restricted complexity" using simulation and "general complexity" emphasizing system openness and unpredictability, with limited overall uptake in the field. |
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