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"Theoretical Diversity in International Relations: Dominance, Pluralism, and Division" published on by Oxford University Press.

A common theme in the Centennial Issue of the American Political Science Review was how subfields have grown more specialized and insulated from one another. In this essay I argue that this trend has been hastened by the inappropriate incorporation of paradigm mentalities, first presented by Thomas Kuhn and later developed by Imre Lakatos. I show how paradigm mentalities help justify rigid opposition to theoretical alternatives and limit critical insight. While paradigm mentalities may be fitting for disciplines that demonstrate Kuhn'sconcrete scientific achievements,they constrain the study of political science and international relations in particular. I begin with a primer that compares Kuhn and Lakatos to Karl Popper. Next, I point to harmful consequences resulting from applying paradigm mentalities to the study of international relations. Among these is the tendency to act as if realism has earned the status of a paradigm and then invoke criteria of incommensurability and "subsumption" to deflect criticism. I conclude by discussing how Popper's model of science provides a better platform for the study of politics by encouraging theoretical and methodological pluralism.

This paper emphasized how Thomas Paine's later works, primarily Rights of Man, would be particularly helpful in teaching contemporary issues associated with globalization, economic interdependence, and democratization. This body of Paine's work seeks to export many of the foundational ideas of American liberalism to Europe. These include the virtues of free markets, human rights, and democracy. Paine also sought to spread democracy by force of arms if necessary. Questions of how to encourage free trade, democracy, and a respect for human rights have become integral to discussions of globalization. Paine's later works can be used as a means to introduce students to the prevailing concerns of living in this period of increasing globalization.