فصلنامه مطالعات راهبردی
سال دهم شماره 4 (پیاپی 38، زمستان 1386)

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.

Although, so far, the international system has not witnessed absolute domination of a single and only one dominating power in all political, social, military and cultural aspects, many theoretical attempts have been made to explain possible situations for such a system. The main question of the present study is: "What are possible theoretical forms for an international system based on axis of a superpower and what are its characteristics and the way of interaction between the actors inside that system?" Many of the papers in this field believe that only Unipolar and Hegemonic systems are qualified with the characteristics of a Single Power System. The present paper, while surveying these two types of international system, is introducing another Single Power System which is Empire System (different from its traditional model). Therefore, the author attempts to study and compare the logics of internal relationship, interests of dominant power and nature of social relations (structure of social network) belonging to each of the above three models.

Realizing security is the main task of a nation-state and is the most important issue which is addressed by International Relations researchers. However, it is a very complicated, contradictory concept and mostly dependent on the approaches and theories which those researchers are using. So far, many different theories have been raised for description, explanation and prediction of security issues. The author attempts to illustrate developments in the concept of Security through the prism of developments in theories of security. Theories of Realism, Liberalism, Copenhagen School, Constructivism and also Normative theory are prominent theories which by raising different pre- assumptions and frameworks on national and international security have produced new horizons on security studies; they have raised different views on the main questions of security including reference, agent, aspects and means of realizing security. The topic of the present paper is surveying developments of the concept of security through prism of the above-mentioned theories.

The realistic discourse based on "State" which assumes State as the only interactor in the field of politics and international relations, has been changed and redefined due to the following factors: new developments of the post Cold War era, globalization, interdependency, spreading role of transnational social movements, global civil society, national and international NGOs and growing terrorist groups. The present study while using James Rosenoua's triple approaches on International Relations, intends to illustrate the transition from an interactor attitude of State in Realism, and also to survey its conceptual developments in an age when Pluralism is its prominent aspect. Finally the author concludes with evaluation and criticism of the current views on State.

Although, so far, the international system has not witnessed absolute domination of a single and only one dominating power in all political, social, military and cultural aspects, many theoretical attempts have been made to explain possible situations for such a system. The main question of the present study is: "What are possible theoretical forms for an international system based on axis of a superpower and what are its characteristics and the way of interaction between the actors inside that system?" Many of the papers in this field believe that only Unipolar and Hegemonic systems are qualified with the characteristics of a Single Power System. The present paper, while surveying these two types of international system, is introducing another Single Power System which is Empire System (different from its traditional model). Therefore, the author attempts to study and compare the logics of internal relationship, interests of dominant power and nature of social relations (structure of social network) belonging to each of the above three models.

This paper focuses on developments of the concept of humanitarian intervention through the prism of theories of International Relations. Humanitarian intervention as a rule is a difficult experiment for the international community which is mainly based on principals of sovereignty, non–intervention and not to use of force. With the globalization of human rights and paying special attention to prohibition of genocide, torture and breach of basic human rights, this humanitarian principal is in conflict with the principals of sovereignty and non– intervention. In the mean time, this concept has experienced a deep change prior to and after the Cold War era. Here, first the concept of intervention is addressed with using the theories of Realism and Liberalism. Then, while using the theory of Constructivism, the concept of humanitarian intervention, as a normative, value-based and international rule is discussed and finally the development of the concept of humanitarian intervention is illustrated, as a whole, in International Relations.

In this paper, the security arrangements and models in thePersian Gulfis discussed from the beginning of its security system along with its triple dimensions. However, it is mentioned that theories of Dependency and Imperialism do not suffice to explain those arrangements and therefore, paying due regard to the dichotomy derived from Realism and Liberalism is needed. In this way, while considering the approaches of theUSAand theUK, the two interventionist power in the region, the author is addressing different understandings of security arrangements by all the actors involved. This paper concludes with the discussion of possible opportunities and options forIranto evolve this system.