Rise and fall of the inter-paradigm debate 153

Table 7.1 Boxing the inter-paradigm debate

Pluralism/
Realism interdependence Marxism/radicalism

Level according state-centric multi-centric global-centric

to Rosenau
Basic actors states numerous sub-state, the capitalist world
trans-state and non- economy (or forces
state actors and relations of
production) and classes
Image (Banks) billiard ball model cobweb model octopus model
View of the unitary actor disaggregated into representing class
state components interests (more or less
directly)
Behavioural State is rational actor Foreign policy Focus is on patterns of
dynamic seeking to maximise making and trans- dominance within and
(Viorti and its own interest or national processes among societies
Kauppi) national objectives in involve conflict,
foreign policy bargaining, coalition,
and compromise - not
necessarily resulting in
optimal outcomes
Issues National security is Multiple, not least Economic factors
top welfare
Solidity of National interests exist Perceptions and roles Deep structures in the
reality objectively. The often differ from economy are very
(objective/ statesman has to reality. Academic stable and consistent.
subjective) ascertain these and to analysis can help to Political actors are
act them out. In some find rational and systematically
versions, the world of optimal policy misguided in their
manipulation and perceptions (ideology).
intuition take on an
independent life
Repetition/ timeless laws, change and possibly stable and continuous
change international relations progress pattern — until the
is the realm of break
recurrence
conflict/ relations among states relations among states Relations within and
co-operation are basically are potentially co- among states are
conflictual/ operative, non-state conflictual, because
competitive actors often mitigate the class struggle is the
conflict, but make the main pattern
image confusing
Time Static Evolutionary Revolutionary

Sources: Rosenau, 1982; Viotti and Kauppi, 1987; Keohane and Nye, 1977; Wilde, 1989.