Rethinking Logic of Inference and Explanation in the Field of International Relations

Abstract

This article provides an investigation of the conventional logic of inference that underlies the search for a causal explanation of social and political behaviour, including state behaviour, in world politics. It proposes an alternative reasoning strategy which can complement the traditional (inductive and deductive) logic of inference. In addition, the article enters into a discussion of how the proposed alternative can make theoretical contributions to obtaining a better understanding of the complex reality of world politics.