DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/isr/viz005

Summary
The publication is actually a collection of papers presented at an international conference and they all discuss different applications of complex systems to improve International Relations (IR) theories. All the articles share in common a more critical perspective on traditional IR theories and policy studies, which seem to have lost their explanatory and problem-solving power, due to an overemphasis of causal relations, instead of network perspectives. As stated in the introduction: “Paradoxically, as our tools to make sense and control societies and our environment increase, our ability to do so diminishes”.
Thus, the authors advocate for a more reasoned and pervasive use of complex systems analysis, highlighting different contexts for its application (peacekeeping missions, international trade regimes, governance of climate change) and presenting, also, some interesting analytical tools, such as the notion of “restricted complexity”. In conclusion, these papers aim to promote a change of reasoning and methodology in IR, paying more attention to systemic issues, “bottom-up” approaches instead of traditional “top-down” strategies, and historical/path dependent perspectives on issues and problems. According to the authors, policy framing and IR studies should operate on the basis that “problems cannot be effectively prevented or solved but that they can be managed in order to ameliorate their effects”.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The publication mentions interesting theoretical frameworks and topics in which systems theory can be adopted.
Theoretical frameworks:
- Restricted complexity
- Complex Adaptive Systems
- Panarchy
- Path Dependence
- Network analysis
- “Top-down”/ “Bottom-up” approach
Topics:
- International Trade Regimes
- Climate Change Governance
- Peacekeeping Missions

Point of Strength
• The papers directly mention issues of sustainability and UN’s SDGs
• They provide accurate descriptions of the terms involved in the analysis
• The theoretical basis analyzed in these studies is wide enough