DOI

Summary
The article discusses the possible usefulness of integrating Complex Systems’ concepts and tools in International Relations (IR) analysis and theory. The author starts by recognizing that current reductionist and linear methodologies are failing to grasp the complexity of the world and predict both international and domestic political outcomes. Complexity Theory may provide some support in overcoming this issue, but it can only do such if IR scholars accept to revise and update their methods. In fact, the author pinpoints 5 challenges that needs to be addressed in order to properly make use of Complexity Theory for IR:
1) Accepting that there are no overarching laws to the international system;
2) It cannot be expected linear relationships in complex systems;
3) Reductionism needs to be abandoned;
4) The unit of analysis has to be changed;
5) Instead of predicting outcomes, IR analysis should focus on regularities and trends.
In conclusion, complexity theory appears to posses the proper potential to revitalize the field of IR.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The paper provides strong support to a complete re-orientation of IR in light of complex systems tools and concepts. By realizing that today’s world is characterized by increasing complexity, Glover evidences the need to adopt new tools and resources able of incorporating this complexity. This means to abandon the traditional approaches and re-assess objectives, within the field of IR. Traditionally, IR scholars aimed to make predictions adopting linear statistical approaches incorporating a limited number of variables. This method failed to provide adequate explanations of the outside world and, thus, it needs to be rejected. Complexity Theory provide the basis for the establishment of this new methodology, only if scholars accept that:
1- There are no laws in international systems;
2- There are no linear cause-effect relations in international systems;
3- Systems must be analyzed in their entirety and they cannot be reduced;
4- The autonomous agents (individuals, states, organizations, etc.), as unit of analysis, have to be substituted with networks;
5- It is nearly impossible to make prediction, but regularities and trends can be understood.

Point of Strength
The strength of this article is that it provides a strong argument for the adoption of Complex Systems in IR, as well as a substantial example on how this can be achieved.