The Rhetoric of Inquiry in International Relations: A Hermeneutic Investigation into the Forms of Argumentation in International Relations Meta-Theory

This book argues that the lack of recognition and understanding of different forms of meta-theorising in International Relations hinders fruitful engagement between meta-theories. It proposes a dyadic approach of a rhetoric of inquiry and a conversational ethic to steer meta-theoretical engagements across divides in more productive ways. It will be of interest to academics working in meta-theory, international political thought, normative theory, and IR theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book argues that our current lack of recognizing and understanding the different forms meta-theorizing takes hampers the ways in which fruitful engagement between meta-theories can be conducted. It proposes a radical break with the ways in which meta-theorizing in International Relations (IR) has so far been understood, and instead suggests a dyadic approach: a rhetoric of inquiry that investigates the diverging forms of argumentation currently present in IR meta-theorizing and a conversational ethic that can help steer meta-theoretical engagements across existing divides in more productive ways. The central questions are as follows: where meta-theorizing should go from here in order to contribute to the analysis of an ever more complex world? Can we develop ways that allow the practice of meta-theorizing to channel and consolidate the multiplicity of its debates and contentions to strengthen our understanding of world politics, and if so, how?

It will be of general interest in all theory and methodology courses offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as to academics working in the area of meta-theory, international political thought, normative theory, and IR theory in its various manifestations.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367703981