Episode 32: Social Forces, States, and Clydeside Whisky

18 08 2023

Robert Cox’s landmark article, “Social Forces, States and World Orders: Beyond International Relations Theory,” appeared in the journal Millennium in 1981. Among other things, it introduced the distinction between “critical” and “problem-solving” theory to international-relations scholars.

But this isn’t just any old episode where Patrick and Dan ramble their way through some decades-old academic article. No, it’s the first-ever live recording of Whisky and IR Theory, which took place in Glasgow in June at the annual convention of the British International Studies Association. And we had a sponsor: the Clydeside Distillery, which generously provided everyone with drinks… and souvenir whisky glasses.

A good time was had by most. If you missed out, we’ll be holding another live taping in London in October. More to come.