What is the main premise of the theory that helps to illustrate how different phenomena are interrelated?

The primary premise of a theory in the context of international relations and other fields is that it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and explaining how various phenomena are interconnected. A theory synthesizes observations, data, and concepts to offer insights into patterns and relationships between different variables.

For instance, in international relations, a theory might elucidate the connections between state behavior and the influence of economic conditions, or how domestic politics affect foreign policy. This interconnectedness allows researchers and practitioners to predict outcomes based on established relationships within the theory.

In contrast, other terms like logic, hypothesis, and proposition serve different functions. Logic provides the reasoning framework that underpins arguments; a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction derived from a theory; and a proposition is a statement that can be supported or refuted but lacks the comprehensive explanatory power that a theory possesses. Thus, a theory stands out as the concept that effectively integrates and demonstrates the interrelationships among various phenomena.