Bridging the Theory-Practice Divide in International Relations

Reviews
"Of the many ways Bridging the Theory-Practice Divide in International Relations contributes to broader academic-policy world 'bridging' efforts, the scholar-practitioner author pairings, the similarities and differences across the eight foreign policy issue areas, and the empirical data drawn on and made available are especially valuable. Kudos to the editors for such a creative and insightful approach."—Bruce Jentleson, William Preston Few Professor of Public Policy, Duke University



"Bridging the Theory-Practice Divide in International Relations makes a unique contribution by offering scholars of international relations insightful pathways to translate basic research into forms accessible and relevant to practitioners. It also underscores the need for practitioners to draw on scholarly work in order to make more informed, better policy decisions. The gap between the two is wide and must be narrowed. This important book provides a constructive way forward."—Robert Gates, former secretary of defense and former director of the Central Intelligence Agency







"An interesting dialogue between twenty-three academics and policy-makers explores the gap between theory and practice in eight fields of foreign policy ranging from human rights and trade to terrorism and nuclear strategy. This important book uses new data to show how different levels of uncertainty and access affect the demand for expertise, and how professional incentives and poor communication limit its supply."—Joseph S. Nye Jr. , Distinguished Service Professor, emeritus at Harvard University and author of Do Morals Matter? Presidents and Foreign Policy from FDR to Trump



"This marvelous book makes a unique contribution to our understanding of the divide between academia and the policy world. Through the direct engagement of leading practitioners with top scholars, the chapters provide an extraordinary window into how each community thinks about the opportunities and challenges involved in producing policy-relevant research across core issue areas in the field of international relations."—James Goldgeier, codirector, Bridging the Gap Project



"This collection deserves our gratitude. Scholars have long been aware of the gaping divide between theory and practice in international relations. But never before has the problem been so thoroughly dissected and explained. A must read for everyone with an interest in the future of the IR field of study."—Benjamin Cohen, Louis G. Lancaster Professor of International Political Economy, University of California, Santa Barbara