Revisiting international relations theory through a China-Turkey bilateral case study: a call for adaptive integrative approaches

Abstract The intricate dynamics of international relations, especially within regions like the Middle East, reveal the limitations of relying solely on single theoretical paradigms such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, and Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA). This article advocates for the advancing the application of International Relations (IR) theory through integrative approaches that incorporate insights from multiple frameworks. By critically assessing the shortcomings of isolated applications of mainstream IR theories, the paper underscores how these paradigms often fail to capture the complex interdependencies, hidden causal mechanisms, and multifaceted dynamics that define regional interactions. Utilising the bilateral relationship between China and Turkey as a case study, the analysis demonstrates the inadequacy of single paradigms in explaining the interplay of political, economic, and military dynamics shaping their interactions. The study highlights how domestic political competition, economic structural overlaps, cultural misalignments, and strategic calculations interact in ways that necessitate a more holistic analytical framework. Advocating for an “adaptive integrative approach”, this paper proposes combining multiple theoretical perspectives to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of complex interstate relations. Ultimately, the article calls for embracing theoretical eclecticism and methodological pluralism to better address the challenges of studying relations with Middle Eastern countries, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical abstraction and practical governance.