Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract Practice Theory (PT) is one of the latest theoretical achievements in International Relations. This theory consists of different theoretical approaches that focus on studying international practices as stuff of international politics. This article argues that Practice Theory is based on specific meta-theoretical and philosophical foundations, that make it a distinct theory from other International Relations theories. Then, the main objective is to explore and explain the ontological, epistemological and methodological foundations of Practice Theory. It is argued that Practice Theory is based on “foundational pluralism”; a pluralistic and eclectic ontology, epistemology and methodology that go beyond dualistic metatheory of some other International Relations theories like Constructivism. So that, in relational ontology of Practice Theory dichotomies of reality/mind, theory/practice, structure/agency, constitution/causation, and materialism/ideationalism are all dissolved. Practice Theory epistemology is a pluralistic on implying explanation and understanding, simultaneously. Pluralistic methodology of Practice Theory is a combination of experimentalism, interpretivism and abduction or inference to the best explanation.

Abstract The subject – matter of soft power nowadays attracts attention of many countries, of researchers in IR and security studies and of practitioners to it. It yields for discussing security from soft dimension of it. Because it doesn’t subordinate to power and its focus on internationally perspective here is mentioning the security as an independently concept and externally/internally one. Soft security would be different, identify with and supplement of hard one in philological apprising, it does epistemologically definite in four paths in reducing appeal to use of force and removing pretext economic instrument for sanctions and punishments, being well situated for legitimating hard security and being attractive and the last section from the ontologically it comprises dimensions and spheres.

Abstract International Relations is a discipline that in comparison with other branches of Social Sciences, its research scope has the most dynamistic and changing feature. One of the most dynamistic features of this discipline at the academic level is changing its methodology and way of studying the physical environment by the IR researchers. This paper intends to explore the methodological developments in international studies and to evaluate its weaknesses as well as problems with a critical viewpoint.  The author with recognition of two Classic and Quantum approaches in Exact Sciences is of the view that in the twentieth century methodology of Social Sciences was mostly affected by the approach of Exact Sciences. However, the latter approach has not the capability to illustrate global developments in many aspects, but the theoretical Quantum framework, while having characteristics like relativity of research results and utilizing all possible methods to achieve more valid outcomes, has more relevance in the field of Social Sciences including International Relations.

Abstract Alexander Vent as a distinguished constructivist thinker does argue that the problems of the scholars of international relations and the political scientists were just be understanding of global politics and power distribution without thinking about what constructed the global system and how it organized. Vent by reviewing the current schools of the international relations field is criticizing the neo – realism so that it is important but by focus on individualism and materialism is imperfect. That is paying more attention on decision makers without any mentioning on social structures that shapes the individuals. Crucial critique of Vent is deal with materialistic views of neo – realism as an objective willing and properties. Here the main hypothesis of the article by exploring the political from the constructivist view is that the political actors do often pursuit to substitute recognition on power (in the neo – realism) and wealth (in the neo – liberal view).

Abstract As the problem of the article, could be relationship between sexuality and text interpretation or subject analysis? For responding this question, this planned hypothesis is examining that understanding national and international security (as a subject or text) would be done by post positivism method and for solving sexuality irregularity. For examining this subjective guess it is primarily necessary to explanation of the feministic cognitive method( in its diverse perspective) and then exploring its main deliberations such as expanding the meaning of the security, considering the social frame, and the focus replace on change for continuity, to analyzing the national and international security. With criticizing the fashionable approaches in methodology, the feministic cognitive method prescribe four main points: introducing social security as the national security base, interactions versus independent, pay attention to software of national security dimensions and the last, supporting the continual and evolution improvement plans versus the violent and revolution ones. These differentiated the feminists from the positivists.

Abstract Delving into Imam Khomeini’s views and thoughts, the author analyzes Imam Khomeini’s epistemological foundations which are either consistent or inconsistent with the territory-based concept of national security and the cognitive relationship between those two foundations. That is because it is of the utmost importance to explore the relationship between national security and the concept of territoriality that seeks to preserve society, population, citizens, and the political regime governing a specific territory, and universal religions and the thoughts of religious authorities who claim the management, direction and improvement of the world.   The author acknowledges that Imam Khomeini may not be simply regarded as a scholar of security studies, but he also believes that he still attracts the attention of political scientists, practitioners and intellectuals as a political leader as well as an intellectual reformer. Belief in his intellectual achievements and attachment to his political teachings continue to shine as an essential source in thinking and updated policy-making. Now the question raised here is what the place of territory-based concept of national security is in Imam Khomeini’s thought system. Furthermore, how can this concept be located in his viewpoints in a meaningful and justified way, and what are the epistemological bases of Ummah-centrist tendency and nationalism in his outlook?

Abstract

Faculty member of the Research Institute of Strategic Studies

This article examines methodological bases of the idealist school. The author maintains that idealist explanations of national security observe methods mostly and originally considered by Emanuel Kant. As the influential founder of idealism, Kant offered a new perception of human duties, the nature and mission of the state and the possibility of peaceful conduct on the part of political actors. Such perception, in contrast to the realist viewpoints, suggests a new order. The author initially explains the main claims of idealism and notes that the major claims of idealism include the belief in the desirable role of the environment in determining human behavior, utmost importance of public conscience and judgment, the reason’s efficient leadership, the priority of ethical aspiration over rational thinking, perfectionism, possible and necessary coordination of national interests of the national units, and international rights-duties. What is considerable in these claims from a methodological perspective involves the acceptance of the capability of reason and ethics in evaluating behaviors. In today’s world, mere reliance on the possibility and necessity of moralism is unable to eradicate insecurity and to secure national interests. Perhaps for this reason, idealist criteria are largely taken into account in the stage of making slogans and claims, because this outlook has a very rudimentary approach to power and casts doubt on the achievements and capabilities of the modernity.