DOI

Summary
The paper aims to analyze how Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) can support the field of International Relations (IR) and improve policy making, despite two relevant criticisms that other scholars have moved towards Complex Systems. The first being that, “complex systems theory lacks both the empirical appeal of induction and the disconfirmative value of deduction”. In this sense, Complex Systems is not really a theory, but rather a collection of concepts and analytical tools. The second criticism is that Complex Systems Theory fails to represent the central role and importance of authority, which is essential to political science analysis. Despite these epistemological problems, the author claims that ABM can still provide a good deal of help in the social sciences. For instance, ABM can enlarge the analysis by making use of different kind of agents (individuals, groups, institutions), incorporate their decisions, relationships and the wider environment. According to the author, ABM can be used for at least two goals: prediction and exploration.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
As the article discusses the validity of ABM in IR and Global Studies, it provides a relevant analysis on Complex Systems tools and goals. It is definitely important to recognize that many subjects, processes and topics of social sciences can be explained through the adoption of complex systems concepts, but it is of equal importance recognizing how complexity tools and concepts can be used, what they can achieve and why. This paper provides such an explanation, together with some examples. It would be important to integrate similar analysis in Higher Education teaching, in order to explain properly the methodological and philosophical basis of complex systems analysis.

Point of Strength
The main strength of this article is that it provides a proper explanations on how to integrate ABM in the field of IR, providing a definition of its practices, its benefits and goals.