WHAT IS A THEORY

As always, there are both simple and complicated definitions of a theory. Theory at its simplest
can be seen as a reflective thought. People engage in theorizing when we think in depth and
abstractly about something. To the uninformed, the term theory is an abnormality in international
relations, as far as they are concerned the act of theorizing is an exercise associated with natural
sciences. There is no doubt that the main element in the social sciences revolve around human
beings thus, theorizing is still possible. Theory therefore is a systematic way of constructing
realities. In some other instances, it could be considered as a structural way of looking at realities.
In some other instances, it could be considered as a structured way of looking at reality.

A theory is a mental construction of a phenomenon with which a researcher confronts the reality
to ascertain how much of it is captured in his mental map. According to Sesay (2011:11), a theory
can be defined as abstractions of the reality and a unique form of explanation. Hoffman (1960: 80)
defines a theory as a set of interrelated questions capable of guiding a research both empirically
and / or normative variety.

A theory may also be seen as a collection of statements about relationships especially of variables
that have been tested and can be further tested to ascertain its relevance as a guide in conducting a
scientific study. It may also be looked at as the connection of variables that can be further tested
hence, a theory can be considered as a condensed view of reality.

A theory therefore is a systematic way of constructing realities. In some other instances, it could
be considered as a structured way of looking at reality. In the process, it might exaggerate some
aspects of the reality, while underplaying some other aspects. However, the ultimate goal of theory
construction is to mimic the reality and later test how far the assumptions and its construction
reflect the real world.

In reference to international relations, it is a tool of analyzing behaviours of actors in the

international systems. The objective of course is to make generalization. (On the role of special
interests to psychological profile of particular countries or leaders). Therefore, a theory of
international relations is a set of ideas that explains how the international system works and it is
backed up by or with concrete evidence. In addition, there are different kinds of theory and in
most cases, each theory comes in plurality of versions – i. e., realism, neo-realism etc, as there are
always different, competing accounts of what and why something happened, or what should be
done or what it means; there is rarely one single answer. E.g theories on causes of war

Attributes of a Theory

In international relations, a good theory must have some good qualities such as the following:
*Explanatory – that it must be capable of explaining issues especially the cause and effect in such
a manner that people who want to use it can understand what it is talking about, its direction,
orientation and general outlook. In other words, a theory must be able to explain how a particular
problem came about. For instance, explain why, under what circumstances certain things
happened.

* Description – A good theory must have the ability to describe the phenomenon under
consideration in such a way that its adherents can understand its dimensions. It implies that the
theory must be capable of describing the problem to the extent that every concerned citizen can
picture or understand the problem fully as this will go a long way in removing ambiguities and
encourage replications in all milieus.

* Prediction – A theory should also be able to make some predictions after looking at events in the
international system. That is, if this happens, this or that will follow. This is necessary if the goal
of scientificism is to be realized. It is correct to posit that it is not enough to explain and describe
events; as a theory must also have predictive capabilities and this will make it stronger in both
appeal and utility. For instance, one should be able to predict that a disturbance at any level
portends dis-equilibrium for the entire system.

*Prescriptive – A good theory must have the power to make prescriptions. No one would show
appreciation to any theory if it fails to offer a suggestions and recommendations on how to
overcome an unpleasant situation; it must have the power to make prescriptions. Showing the
pathways to social problems distinguishes theories in social sciences from other disciplines. This
is what gives a stamp of mental constructions to theories of international relations as opposed to
theories in physical sciences that are in most cases iron cast. In other words, when a theory is
prescriptive, it is able to say what ought to be, whether to volunteer to take part in a conflict or
oppose it.

*Comparative analysis – social scientists use theory to compare institutions, political institutions,
systems of government between one country and another. Thus, a theory should be able to carry
out this comparison.

Importance of theory in International Relations

Many have wondered why IR is obsessed with theorizing, the main reason why we theorize in this
field is to reduce the extent of jaundiced views that can interfere with the research efforts of the
social scientists. It is a well-known fact that the central issue involved in international relations is
the human element and no matter how hard we may try, we cannot change the essential features
of IR which shows greed, self-centeredness and dominance as ingrained in human traits. Therefore,
it will be right to say that the social sciences are not trying to recreate the world but are trying to
adopt scientific method of inquiry of which theorizing is a major high point.
Through theorizing, international relations can generate ideas that are not limited to time and space.
The advent of theories has given both scholars and students of international relations an
opportunity for generalization that aids the growth and development of the field ….. once the
conditions and assumptions are met, they lead to the accumulation of data and general information
that often break down territorial boundaries.

Furthermore, generalizations added by theories lead to some predictions; the power to explain the
cause and effect is stronger, so is the relative ability to make predictions that are always consistent
with the chosen theory. For instance, the Marxist theory makes its own prediction of perpetual
underdevelopment in less-developed countries as long as the global capitalism persists and
continues to wax stronger. As its due emphasis on profit motive will always clash with the desire
to banish human exploitation from the society.

Similarly, the art of theorizing avails us the opportunity to make prescriptions in resolving a given
phenomenon This is by providing a range of options available to escape from a particular problem.
For instance, the Marxist school suggests that to defeat exploitative capitalist system, a number of
actions defined by the international struggles to displace it and in its place, that the field socialism
should be established as a prelude to the establishment of a communist system.

Consequent on the aforementioned, the art of theorizing helps us to deepen our knowledge of
international relations. Through the spices offered, a remarkable impact is being made on the field.
It can be correct to assert that the field has been much better with the advent of theories than when
narratives held sway.