Testing International Relations theory with Process Tracing: A practical framework based on the New Liberalism

Abstract:

This article aims to introduce and delve into the application of the Process Tracing (PT) method in the analysis of single case studies as theory testing in International Relations (IR), focusing particularly on supporting Brazilian researchers. Inspired by the growing use and significance of PT, it seeks to provide a framework for its utilization in theory testing, aiding those seeking to adapt IR theories to evaluate specific cases. Using the institutionalization of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in the United States as an example, the paper is based on structuring the method to systematize Moravcsik’s (1997) New Liberalism theory. The text presents the case in a structured manner, demonstrating how PT can be applied in theory-centered studies. Additionally, it offers a specific theoretical causal mechanism concerning the institutionalized religious lobby of the USCIRF. This work is a methodological effort to guide researchers interested in operationalizing IR theories using PT as theory testing. It aims to enhance the rigor and clarity in qualitative research in IR, contributing to the growing use of PT among Brazilian researchers in this field, fostering significant advancements in understanding causal mechanisms in complex political contexts.

Keywords:
Process Tracing; case study; International Relations; methodology; New Liberalism