REFLEXIVITY AND INTERNATIONAL-RELATIONS THEORY

The paper examines the current state-and prospects for the development -of reflexive theorising. International Relations theory's 'Third Deba te' is reexamined for evidence of a break with positivist forms of the orising and in terms of its contribution to a reflexive disposition in the discipline. It is concluded (i) that contrary to previous assessm ents, the Third Debate offers little evidence of a shift to post-posit ivist, reflexive theorizing about international politics; and a (ii) t hat to the extent that evidence of reflexivity is to be found, it is l ocated not in the mainstream but at the margins of the discipline.