Karen_A._Mingst,_Ivan_M._Arregu_n-Toft]_Essentia

Theory and the Levels of Analy sis 75

is to guide us toward an understanding of which of these vari ous ideas are necessary
and sufficient to explain the invasion.
Although most international relations scholars acknowledge the utility of paying
attention to levels of analy sis, they differ on how many levels are useful in explaining
events. Most po liti cal scientists apply between three and six levels. Although adding
more layers may provide more descriptive context, it makes explanation and predic­
tion more difficult. The most impor tant differentiation in theory must be made between
the international level and the domestic level. In this book, we will use the three levels
explained earlier: individual, state, and international system.
Good theory, then, should effectively explain phenomena at a par tic u lar level of
analy sis; better theory should also offer explanations across diff er ent levels of analy­
sis. The general theories outlined in the rest of this chapter are all comprehensive,

LeveLs of AnALy sis in

inTernATionAL reLATions

fi GUre 3.1

International

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Individual

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