The Concept of “International Role” in International Relations Theory and Practice: The “PIPP” Analytical Model and Roles Actors Play in World Politics
The Concept of “International Role” in International Relations Theory and Practice: The “PIPP” Analytical Model and Roles Actors Play in World Politics

Summary/Abstract: Although a current and marketable term in the literature and political discourses, the notion of ‘international role’ still lacks a clear and succinct, let alone consensually applicable, definition. This article posits that, from the actorness perspective as a point of departure, the concept of “international role” may well be assessed through the lenses of the quad-element “PIPP” analytical model, which is herewith developed. Thereby, the analysis of actor’s international role has to make a long conceptual sojourn from power, influence presence to performance (PIPP). These four embedded concepts (PIPP model) help assess the explanandum, i.e. “actor’s international role”, in a theoretically-informed, systematic and holistic way, thus avoiding the pitfalls of sporadic (mis) usage found in common parlance.

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