A Scholarly Source Analysis - Essay Example

He is addressing an informed audience of scholars because he advances the knowledge the audience already has. The tone of the article also supports that he is addressing the literate class. In addition, the literature review presented is well-referenced using footnotes, a factor that ascertains that it is scholarly.

The author explores balancing and bandwagoning, as the two options that states have during conflicts. Schweller seeks to highlight the factors that motivate states to settle for any of the two alternatives. His thesis is very evident that balancing and bandwagoning are not opposites, and a range of different factors motivates states to adopt either of them. The goals of balancing and bandwagoning are different as well, with states opting for the bandwagon to gain something, while the purpose of balancing is ensuring that values are protected (p. 75).

From the literature review, it becomes evident that many scholars have not focused on exploring the issue of bandwagoning effectively. The author highlights that other authors who have tried to explore this topic previously have misconceived the concept of bandwagoning. The literature review highlights that rewards are of central significance to states that opt for bandwagoning. It emerges that other reasons also prompt states to consider bandwagoning as the preferred option. The theory of the balance of interests is more realistic in explaining bandwagoning (p. 100).

Schweller believes that the topic of bandwagoning has not been explored as it deserves. This is because the balancing theory that has often been used in explaining this concept seems insufficient. Moreover, the goals of bandwagoning have not been explained in detail as required. He discerns the need for the development of new theories that can effectively explain the concept (p. 105). In his literature review, he focuses on filling this gap. He does this by reviewing the balancing theory and explaining the reasons that prompt states to opt for bandwagoning. He then presents an alternative theory that fits the concept of bandwagoning.

The literature review is organized into sections. The first section presents the balancing versus bandwagoning concepts the second sections present a critique of the balancing theory. The third section describes the rewards and their role in bandwagoning. The next section of the article tackles other reasons for bandwagoning. Finally, the author presents his alternative theory.