Introduction

We are now in a position to begin to address the central contention of this study. Specifically, at several points in this book, the following two arguments have been advanced. First, it has been suggested that the absence of the ‘critical’ elements which constitute emancipatory theory from the discipline of International Relations can be explained in terms of the predominance of positivism in International Relations theory. Secondly, it has been suggested that the predominance of positivism in International Relations theory is no longer unchallenged; that the prospects for incorporating the elements which distinguish emancipatory theory are improving. In sum, it is being suggested that there are signs that International Relations theory is in the process of being ‘restructured’ in a fundamental, ‘critical’ fashion, and that as a consequence, the potential for the discipline of International Relations to make a meaningful contribution in terms of the contemporary requirements of the Aristotelian project — a contribution to human emancipation — are better now than they have been for some time.