George, Alexander L. "Knowledge for statecraft: the challenge for political science and history." International Security 22 , no. 1 (1997): 44-52.
Summary of the Problem
An interdisciplinary approach is needed to develop the theory of international relations fully. George provides ways by which combining political science and history perspectives can be helpful in developing international relations theory completely. Studies meant to advance international relations theories are crucial for its further development. Any theory alone is unsatisfactory to explain approaches to foreign policy decisions or the outcomes from foreign policies. A single theory assumes certain elements and interest of states in international relations rather than explain them. Therefore, a gap is left by each theory that needs filling to achieve higher knowledge and quality for statecraft. Some problems are surrounding the conduct of international policies such as deterrence, mediation, conflict management, cooperation and diplomacy among others and they can be provided for through broad knowledge from different academics subjects. There is a need to derive important knowledge on each problem which is available from relevant past historical events. At the same time, one needs to be in a position to appreciate the persistence of different challenges and essential elements of using various approaches in international relations. Therefore, combining the information from history and that from political science helps achieve both measures. Most information in scholarly theory is usually generalized probability which is invaluable to a policymaker. The policymaker thus has to decide whether the probabilities and assumptions made in theory apply to each particular case. There is hence the need to develop approaches that move away from probabilistic information to reliable, evidence-based knowledge. Therefore, without doubt, a new approach to shaping policy making is required that explains conditions and how they link to conclusions and outcomes. 1
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Purpose
The article seeks to demonstrate ways in which political scientists can learn from each other in statecraft. George offers several suggestions for blending history and political science points of view to generate more and higher quality knowledge for statecraft. In the article, George seeks to answer three questions from a collaborative perspective between political Science and history. First, How and why decisions by policymakers are made in carrying out dealings with other countries? Second, how can one explain the results of associations with other countries? Thirdly, how to correctly draw and incorporate lessons from history into policy-relevant theory? 2
Conclusions
Political scientists benefit from collaboration with historians through the loyalty of historians to circumstances and energy of past events that Historians accord to case studies. On the other hand Historians would learn new approaches to conducting their research and test the viability of the relevant hypothesis. The interdisciplinary approach offers a structured and focused assessment that offers a methodology which fills the gaps between the perspectives of two subjects. Political scientists convert historical perspectives of a concept into an analytical concept which helps to cater for the lost characteristics in historians' objections. An interdisciplinary approach of history and political science helps to develop reliable and supported knowledge to apparent variables in independent subject theories creating the rationale for easy applicability in relevant cases. The perception that theory and general knowledge can prescribe actions for policymakers is wrong 3 . Theory and knowledge only contribute to the identification of problems for which policymakers need to find solutions. Therefore, theory and knowledge need not satisfy high-level verification as scientists perceive. The crucial thing is for theory and knowledge to provide policymakers with reliable conditions to leverage in formulating policies efficiently. 4
Critique the argument
I agree that there is a need for interdisciplinary collaboration in developing knowledge and approaches to international relations and policy-making in general. Disciplines are becoming interdependent and closely related to the development and advancement of the knowledge base. Solutions to social problems must be addressed through informative and improved comprehension and incorporation of diverse perspectives to promote social welfare. Such a level of understanding requires the collaboration of experts and scholars from different disciplines. 5 Furthermore, the future of research and knowledge is foreseen to be highly interdisciplinary for the sake of quality and credibility. The benefits of interdisciplinary approaches are critical to the achievement of more reliable knowledge, and its benefits outdo any risks or disadvantages. Interdisciplinary approaches are particularly efficient in providing highly relevant rationales to phenomena than any discipline on its own. 6 Therefore, the concept of collaborations between scientists and political scientist in developing the theories of international relations is a more reliable and complementary approach to enabling and advancing policymaking.
Bibliography
Bililign, Solomon. "The Need for Interdisciplinary Research and Education for Sustainable Human Development to Deal with Global Challenges." International Journal of African Development 1 , no. 1 (2013): 8.
Bridle, Helen, Anton Vrieling, Monica Cardillo, Yoseph Araya, and Leonith Hinojosa. "Preparing for an Interdisciplinary Future: A Perspective from Early-Career Researchers." Futures 53 (2013): 22-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2013.09.003. Retrieved on 11 October 2018
George, Alexander L. "Knowledge for statecraft: the challenge for political science and history." International Security 22, no. 1 (1997): 44-52. Retrieved on 11 October 2018
1 Alexander L. George, "Knowledge for statecraft: the challenge for political science and history," International Security 22 , no. 1 (1997): 44-52.
2 Alexander L. George, "Knowledge for statecraft,” 44
3 Alexander L. George, "Knowledge for statecraft,” 48-49
4 Ibid, 52
5 Solomon Bililign, "The Need for Interdisciplinary Research and Education for Sustainable Human Development to Deal with Global Challenges," International Journal of African Development 1, no. 1 (2013): 8.
6 3 Helen Bridle, et al. "Preparing for an interdisciplinary future: A perspective from early-career researchers." Futures 53 (2013): 22-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2013.09.003
