Tears of Theory: International Relations as Storytelling

Tears of Theory emphasizes the importance of incorporating storytelling and personal experience into International Relations (IR) scholarship, particularly in conducting research in sensitive and challenging environments. The book explores the mysterious disappearance of Korean Air (KAL) flight 858 in 1987, which resulted in two rounds of reinvestigations. It tells the story of a researcher who becomes deeply entangled in the Cold War mystery, using an autoethnography-oriented approach based on the author's seventeen-year research journey. The book appeals to students and scholars of IR, Asian/Korean Studies, Narrative Studies, Security Studies, Pedagogy, and methodology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Tears of Theory is a groundbreaking work that emphasizes the importance of integrating storytelling and personal experiences into the field of International Relations (IR) scholarship. By examining the tragic disappearance of Korean Air (KAL) flight 858 in 1987, the book delves into the complexities of conducting research in sensitive and challenging environments. According to South Korean authorities, a female secret agent was responsible for the bombing of the plane, which resulted in the deaths of 115 people. Despite two rounds of investigations, many questions remained unanswered, fueling ongoing debates and speculation.

In the context of the ongoing Cold War, author Park-Kang presents a captivating story centered around a researcher who becomes deeply entangled in the Cold War mystery. The book adopts an autoethnography-oriented approach, drawing upon the author's extensive research journey spanning seventeen years. The narrative is based on the author's personal experiences and observations, providing a unique and immersive perspective on the mysterious female spy.

Tears of Theory appeals to a wide range of students and scholars interested in IR, Asian/Korean Studies, Narrative Studies, Security Studies, Pedagogy, and methodology. The book offers valuable insights into the complexities of international relations, the role of personal narratives in research, and the ethical considerations involved in conducting studies in sensitive and politically charged environments. By exploring the tragic events of flight 858 and the broader context of the Cold War, Tears of Theory provides a thought-provoking and enriching examination of the field of IR.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 227 x 160 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538165058