Theory Talks Presents THEORY TALK #37 ROBERT COX ON WORLD ORDERS, HISTORICAL CHANGE, AND THE PURPOSE OF THEORY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Theory Talks is an interactive forum for discussion of debates in International Relations with an emphasis of the underlying theoretical issues. By frequently inviting cutting-edge specialists in the field to elucidate their work and to explain current developments both in IR theory and real-world politics, Theory Talks aims to offer both scholars and students a comprehensive view of the field and its most important protagonists. Citation: Schouten, P. (2009) ‘Theory Talk #37: Robert Cox on World Orders, Historical Change, and the Purpose of Theory in International Relations’, Theory Talks, http://www.theory- talks.org/2010/03/theory-talk-37.html (12-03-2010)