| Abstract: | Structural Realist theory on the operation of the international system has often been likened to theory one might find in physics to describe the motions of the balls in a game of billiards. While this metaphor is usually used in jest, or as critique of Realist theory, the use of such games can effectively convey our understanding of international systemic dynamics from a number of theoretical perspectives. Games involve more than physics-like laws of interaction between similar entities or actors. They also involve social aspects of interaction; they assume the contextual laws involving the premise of the game, accepted and unaccepted behavior, and the dispositions of the actors controlling the balls to their competitive environment.
This paper gives an account of the use of croquet as an instructional exercise in an Introduction to International Relations class. Croquet's ability to convey to students a variety of theoretical perspectives is discussed, as are the "lessons" the students took from the exercise, as described in their post-game reflections. |
