Title: Visual International Relations Project Workshop

Presenters: Dr. Patrick James (University of Southern California) 

The VIRP’s main goal is to build an expanding archive that consists of graphic representations for theories based on a method and technique Dr. James developed. The technique can be used to create visualizations for cause and effect as conveyed in words for either a combination of items or an individual publication. The systemist method creates what resemble traditional ‘box and arrow’ diagrams, but with rules that emphasize rigor and reproducibility.

The overall purpose is to facilitate a productive debate as well as to enhance comprehension of the vast and rapidly expanding knowledge base of IR in a way that is pragmatic – in line with a realization that visual rather than strictly verbal communication is essential to progress after a century of research in the discipline. The lucid representation of complex ideas across sub-disciplines of international relations is intended to build bridges between and among the various schools and methods in order to support interdisciplinarity and constructive discussions. The VIRP’s activity thus has the potential to move the field forward in an innovative way and increase its real-world applicability.
 

The KU Trade War Lab (TWL) supports funded research, offers student research training, and enables campus outreach on the political economy of trade and conflict. To view current projects and upcoming events, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/jackzhang/twl

Thank you also to our co-sponsors for promoting this event! 
- Department of Political Science
- Visual International Relations Project