THEORIZING WAR: A PROLEGOMENON TO INTERPRETATIVE FRAMEWORKS
THEORIZING WAR: A PROLEGOMENON TO INTERPRETATIVE FRAMEWORKS

Summary/Abstract: The nature and impact of war have been pivotal in shaping human history, inciting significant debate across various social sciences, including international relations. War is a catalyst for massive human casualties, displacement, institutional changes, and ideological shifts. This paper explores the multifaceted dimensions of war, tracing its definitions, origins, conduct, and prevention methods through different theoretical lenses such as realism and liberalism provide foundational insights into the causes and dynamics of warfare, focusing on power structures and liberal institutions, respectively. In contrast, constructivism and complexity theories offer novel perspectives, emphasizing the social construction of war and the interconnectedness of systems. The study underscores the evolving nature of warfare, from clearly defined historical conflicts to contemporary ‘new wars’ characterized by blurred lines between actors, aims, and outcomes. It also highlights the political and administrative nuances in defining and categorizing conflicts, as seen in the terminological variations used by international bodies and state actors. Through a comparative analysis, the paper examines the strengths and limitations of these theories in explaining modern warfare, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches and context-specific understanding. The conclusion suggests that while traditional theories provide a robust framework, emerging perspectives like constructivism and complexity theory are crucial for comprehensively understanding and potentially mitigating future conflicts.

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