Vasquez: The Realist Paradigm and Degenerative Versus Progressive Research Programs

Vasquez, J., 1997. The Realist Paradigm and Degenerative versus Progressive Research Programs: An Appraisal of Neotraditional Research on Waltz's Balancing Proposition. AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE REVIEW, 91, 899-912.

“Several analysts argue that, despite anomalies, the realist paradigm is dominant because it si more fertile than its rivals While the ability of the realist paradigm to reformulate its theories in light of criticism accounts for its persistence, it is argued that the proliferation of emendations exposes a degenerating tendency in the paradigm’s research program” (899).

It is a degenerative program because: theoretical development is highly varied, its inability to identify the core of the discipline for falsification, an overuse of “auxiliary” positions to explain away shortcomings and a shortcoming of solid discoveries.

Lakatos argued that theories must be falsifiable, but that a school of thought, or paradigm, will never be falsified because auxiliary formulations will always be constructed to explain away anomalies (in line with Kuhn).

He examines the failures of realist theories partially through the lenses of balance of power and theorists’ attempts to alleviate some of Waltz’ earlier errors.