Theoretical pluralism in international relations : implications for the development of the discipline

The aim of the article is to discuss the problem of theoretical pluralism in International Relations (IR), therefore it refers to the fact that, as IR scholars, we workwith multiple, often competing, theories offering different ways of explanationor understanding of a given question. The paper is divided into three parts. Thefirst part is focused on the role that theories played at the moment of formationof IR and the role they play today. The second one discusses theoretical pluralismin the meaning of a feature of IR, taking into account in particular its consequencesfor all IR scholars and theorists, as well as distinguishing between two terms: 'plurality' and 'pluralism'. The third part discusses the opinions on the problemof theoretical pluralism present in the literature - ranging from 'embracing' to'structured' versions of pluralism.