A Theory of International Relations or a theory of foreign policy? Reading Peace and War Amongst Nations

This chapter argues that Raymond Aron has much to offer now that International Relations (IR) theories have moved away from the fake battle of "isms" opposing neo-realism, neo-liberalism and constructivism. It examines Aron's theory of IR in light of some contemporary debates, and illustrated how his analysis echoes, precedes and enriches current research. The chapter explores the claim that Peace and War can be fruitfully understood as a theory of foreign policy, particularly relevant for the current international system. It summarizes the main features of realist-constructivism as defined by J. Samuel Barkin, and four core elements that are necessary for a realist-constructivist approach: that it is a theory of foreign policy, that it cannot theorize agency but identifies scope for agency, that it pays attention to the historical context and reflexivity and that it studies morality in a way that avoids both pure messianism and pure cynicism.