The concept of “Systems theory” was given by Mortan Kaplan with an aim to build a scientifically based theory of International Politics. It was an attempt by the behaviouralist scholars to provide a “systems-view” to study International relations.
It is largely based on “Systems-approach” model given by David Easten which aimed to aggregate the knowledge from different disciplines and creating a common pool for that. Thus, Kaplan focussed on locating the “elements” of that system in International politics. He considered this theory to be highly suitable because of the inter-disciplinary nature of international politics. He also believed in building a scientific theory to study IR because of international politics largely being a “non-normative” approach.
Kaplan’s aim was to create a “grand-theory of International politics” to explain the international politics of previous age as well as of present and future. For that, he gave the 10 models of international politics which included both- normative and hypothetical models.
But according to scholars like Stanley Hoffman, the theory given by Kaplan was a “huge misstep in the right direction”. He called it a “strange parlour game”. Hoffman criticised that the theory doesn’t even fulfil the basic requirements of “system theory”. One of the main elements that it lacks is the domestic variables shaping international politics.
Presently, none of the existing models have contemporary relevance in this field. Some theories like- cobweb model, complex interdependence models serve as better alternatives to system theory.
Thus, it can be understood that although criticised, Kaplan has definitely provided a wider scope in understanding and analysing the social behaviour and social interactions in international politics.
Additionally, it has also been able to provide a degree of methodological sophistication in the study of IR.
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