ABSTRACT
In the beginning of the 20th century, knowledge about international relations was a curious mix of history, law studies and abstract philosophical ideas, sometimes quite exotic. In some sense, similar patterns may be observed today. Abstract speculations about international events may also qualify as knowledge, while normative prescriptions are often valued higher than causal interconnections. Some things, however, have changed. A scholar of international relations today knows not only history. A classical IR theory text from the mid-20th century may look for many today rather as an intellectual exercise in constructing nice sentences about politics than a scientific inquiry. New hypotheses in interdisciplinary zones will be laid down. Speculative theories will be edged out by processing big data; however, ‘why?’ questions will remain a key to theoretical knowledge. It will be impossible to know anything for sure about the nature of international politics, be it constant or dynamic.
