global relations theory evolves
global relations theory evolves
# Dizzying Theoretical Developments in International Relations: Analysis of Global Shifts and Sustainable Development Challenges (2025/03/06)
Summary:
The collection of sources reveals significant shifts in international relations theory and practice, particularly highlighting how geopolitical tensions are affecting sustainable development goals globally. The materials span academic analyses of theoretical "turns" in International Relations (IR) scholarship, historical diplomatic perspectives from the late 1980s, and contemporary research on sustainable development challenges in the post-2022 world.
Key Theoretical Developments in IR
The field of International Relations is experiencing rapid theoretical evolution, with researchers Paul Beaumont and Jaakko Heiskanen identifying over 60 "theoretical turns" in the last decade alone. These frequent paradigm shifts began accelerating after the Cold War's end when mainstream IR theories failed to predict this major global transformation. The first wave (1980-2000) challenged positivist approaches, while the second wave (post-2000) saw post-positivist researchers turning against each other, creating theoretical fragmentation that potentially undermines dialogue between researchers.
Geopolitical Realities and Sustainable Development
The 2022 Ukrainian crisis has fundamentally altered international relations, creating a new security architecture and raising questions about the United Nations Security Council's effectiveness. This conflict, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, has severely disrupted global supply chains, energy security (particularly in Europe), and food supplies to impoverished nations, while triggering inflation worldwide.
Research indicates these geopolitical tensions significantly impact sustainable development implementation, especially in developing countries that must balance economic growth with sustainability principles. The conflict has exposed incompatible interests among various actors and called into question full implementation of initiatives like the Green Deal, particularly regarding energy security and climate change goals.
Risk Assessment Model for Developing Countries
Researchers propose a conceptual model for assessing sustainable development implementation risks in developing countries, which often lack monitoring systems. The model emphasizes three dimensions:
Social indicators: Citizen acceptance of sustainability goals, willingness to change routines, educational integration of sustainable development, and media influence
Economic-political indicators: Economic system resilience, import dependence, institutional development, transparency, and vulnerability to external influences
Energy-environmental indicators: Environmental policy flexibility, energy self-sufficiency, technical stability of energy systems, and relations with energy-exporting countries
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The sources provide historical context for these developments, noting how international relations in the late 1980s saw increasing dialogue between East and West despite fundamental differences. The INF Treaty, Afghan peace process, and other diplomatic breakthroughs of that era demonstrate how major powers balanced deterrence with dialogue.
Looking forward, sustainable development faces significant risks from competing geopolitical priorities. The emergence of a multipolar world with strengthened Russia-China military cooperation introduces greater uncertainty. While the adoption of sustainable development goals was universally accepted through UN frameworks, their implementation remains challenged by the complex realities of international relations after 2022.