Abstract
This chapter examines the bewildering state of the latter half of the twentieth century and illustrates the need for a reliable theoretical framework through which we may interpret global change. Although ridiculed by critics wearing the broad mantle of the ‘progressive left’, incorporating critical theory, postmodernism, post-structuralism and the like (that is, virtually every other contribution to this book), it is argued that realism — especially the classical realism of Carr, Morgenthau and Niebuhr but also the structural or neo-realism of Waltz and Krasner — is best suited to understand the turbulent world in which we live. At all times the interface between theory and practice is exposed.
The views expressed in this chapter are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer, ACCORD.
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Solomon, H. (2001). Realism and its Critics. In: Vale, P., Swatuk, L.A., Oden, B. (eds) Theory, Change and Southern Africa’s Future. International Political Economy Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781403901019_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781403901019_3
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