Anybody focusing on IR theory??

[justanotherperson]

Hey guys,

I'm a newbie to the forum so not sure if this topic has been discussed before. Been browsing some 10 pages or but so far haven't really spotted anything concerning this topic, so I started the thread. Apologies if this overlaps with previous discussions.

Anyhow, my question is: Is there anybody here wanting to concentrate on international relations theory?? (such as realist theories as advocated by Waltz) If so, can you tell me which professors are famous in the field of IR theory? Any recommendations?

I am currently looking at polisci phD programs in the U.S. (aiming for Fall 2012 admission) and would like to concentrate on international relations (and comparative politics, if I have to pick two). I'm especially interested in IR theories (realism or liberalism IR theories in particular) and have been looking for professors specializing in this particular subfield. Seems difficult to find polisci phD programs mentioning IR theory concentration.

Oh and I'm an international student with a BA from my home country (spent a year in the U.S. as an exchange student). My GPA isn't high but got okay GRE scores... I'm not eyeing the very top schools, but would be really happy to get into schools in the top 20-50 range (with funding)...

Any comment will be VERY MUCH appreciated!!!! Thank you in advance.

Edited April 10, 2011 by justanotherperson

[alphazeta]

Hey guys,

I'm a newbie to the forum so not sure if this topic has been discussed before. Been browsing some 10 pages or but so far haven't really spotted anything concerning this topic, so I started the thread. Apologies if this overlaps with previous discussions.

Anyhow, my question is: Is there anybody here wanting to concentrate on international relations theory?? (such as realist theories as advocated by Waltz) If so, can you tell me which professors are famous in the field of IR theory? Any recommendations?

I am currently looking at polisci phD programs in the U.S. (aiming for Fall 2012 admission) and would like to concentrate on international relations (and comparative politics, if I have to pick two). I'm especially interested in IR theories (realism or liberalism IR theories in particular) and have been looking for professors specializing in this particular subfield. Seems difficult to find polisci phD programs mentioning IR theory concentration.

Oh and I'm an international student with a BA from my home country (spent a year in the U.S. as an exchange student). My GPA isn't high but got okay GRE scores... I'm not eyeing the very top schools, but would be really happy to get into schools in the top 20-50 range (with funding)...

Any comment will be VERY MUCH appreciated!!!! Thank you in advance.

First, I'd caution that IR theory isn't really a distinctive specialization like international security or IPE. What are your substantive interests? What sort of problems and questions are you hoping to address? You'll probably do better to find faculty who have similar substantive interests. Second, most of the people who do significant work on IR theory as such are at top-10ish programs.

That said, there are some departments/some faculty who are openly hostile to understanding IR through the clash of the -isms (realism, liberalism, constructivism, marxism, feminism, etc.). If your interests really are in the isms, then you wouldn't be happy at those departments. Some programs I would encourage you to look at in the general rankings range you specified are Cornell, Minnesota, Ohio State, Texas, the University of Pennsylvania, UVA, and Notre Dame. All of these are strong programs where you'll find faculty with an interest in IR theory and a receptiveness to the kind of work I take it you want to do.

[justanotherperson]

First, I'd caution that IR theory isn't really a distinctive specialization like international security or IPE. What are your substantive interests? What sort of problems and questions are you hoping to address? You'll probably do better to find faculty who have similar substantive interests. Second, most of the people who do significant work on IR theory as such are at top-10ish programs.

That said, there are some departments/some faculty who are openly hostile to understanding IR through the clash of the -isms (realism, liberalism, constructivism, marxism, feminism, etc.). If your interests really are in the isms, then you wouldn't be happy at those departments. Some programs I would encourage you to look at in the general rankings range you specified are Cornell, Minnesota, Ohio State, Texas, the University of Pennsylvania, UVA, and Notre Dame. All of these are strong programs where you'll find faculty with an interest in IR theory and a receptiveness to the kind of work I take it you want to do.

Thank you so much for the reply. This helps a lot. I guess I should think more about doing IR theory as my concentration. THANK YOU!!!!! MUCH appreciated.

[blankets]

Thank you so much for the reply. This helps a lot. I guess I should think more about doing IR theory as my concentration. THANK YOU!!!!! MUCH appreciated.

IR Theory is definitely not a subfield, but it's all good. I think Patrick Thaddeus Jackson at American is great though, he looks at IR from a Philosophy of Science perspective, and he has great podcasts too. American isn't a top program, but that could work to your advantage, as he's till quite young and definitely taking on students.