Behaviorulism
or the scientific study of political science evolved as a result of the limitations of the realist school. Its
methodology involve the formulation of explanatory theory rather than
propounding normative theory. It treats recurring pattern rather than the
signal case as a meaningful focus of inquiry, employs operational concepts,
which is sensitive to research procedures instead of taking them for granted.
The
canon of this approach is that, it is the behavioural pattern of actors, rather
than state and its organs that really counts . In other words, international
peace and crisis cannot be traced to the evil machinations of institutions but
rather the evil intention of their individuals. And this is a reflection of
their attitudes and values conditioned by domestic social forces, interest
groups, or other institutions, the international environment and social
conditions.
Thus,
that Napoleaon Bonarparte caused a lot of wars in his days could be traced to
his upper ego. We can also explain why John F. Kennedy introduced his economic
policy across the world; because he
believed that international peace could only be maintained where there is economic growth across board. One can also reason why Shehu Shahushagari did not go to war with
Cameroon despite such calls, at
the provocation of killing Nigerian
soldiers , because of his religious belief of
anti-nihilism. These examples
reveal to us that the behavioral pattern of actors to a large
extent determine the policy action of states in international politics.