In this episode of the Diplomacy and Discourse Podcast, host A.R. takes a deep dive into the intellectual foundations of international relations — and why many of those foundations no longer hold up.

From Realism and Liberalism to Constructivism, Critical Theory, and Postcolonialism, we explore how these theories shaped our understanding of world politics — and why they may be out of sync with the complexities of today's geopolitical realities.

As global crises multiply and institutions struggle to adapt, is it time to rethink what we teach, how we theorize, and what we expect from world politics?

We discuss how:

• Modern leaders use traditional theories selectively — and sometimes manipulatively.
• Globalization, corporate power, and cyberwarfare are rewriting the rules.
• Constructivism and postmodern IR offer alternatives rooted in people power and cultural transformation.
• IR education must evolve to meet the challenges of a world shaped by both power and principle.

A.R. also walks you through the key critiques of NATO, UN cooperation breakdowns, and the real-world gaps between theory and practice — all while asking a crucial question: what should the next generation of IR scholars, policymakers, and citizens be learning instead?

🎧 Tune in, think critically, and join the conversation about what the future of international relations should look like.

📬 Questions or feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

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