Analysing the Scope, Nature, and Understanding of Major Theories of Political Science: An Overview

Abstract

Political science theories form the intellectual foundation of governance, power relations, and social structure. In most modern analyses, the nature, impact, and explanatory basis of these theories often receive insufficient inquiry. A key gap is the lack of synthesis among major theories in response to emerging global challenges such as democratic decline and geopolitical shifts. This discussion offers an understanding of what each theory can and cannot do, highlighting their limitations and applications. The research will explore where and how these theories apply, whether they are normative or empirical, and provide insights into their history and critiques, focusing on foundational theories like realism, liberalism, Marxism, and constructivism, and their relevance today. It hypothesizes that their ongoing relevance for interdisciplinary policy analysis will be evident through a comprehensive overview. The analysis draws on classical literature (e.g., Plato, Machiavelli, Marx) and contemporary studies, employing a qualitative and theoretical approach via literature review. Comparative frameworks will evaluate the assumptions, methodologies, and contextual adaptations of these theories, interpreting doctrines and mapping concepts to trace their development from antiquity to postmodernism. Recent discoveries reveal the breadth of theories, from local governance reforms based on communitarianism to international applications rooted in realist international relations. These also expose conflicting trends between empirical behavioralism and normative idealism. Examples include Marxist influences on social movements, liberal ideas in institutional design, and the resilience of these theories in facing 21st-century challenges such as populism. This overview aims to create a harmonizing pattern among scholars and practitioners by emphasizing the synthesis of theories for better predictions in political research. It underscores how the discipline can promote resilient democracies by illuminating its role in policy-making, civic engagement, education, government, and future studies.