One of the dynamic features of International Relations as an academic discipline is the existence of a diverse range of theoretical approaches with different foundations and assumptions. Normative theory is among the non-mainstream approaches in this field, which has also been addressed in many debates under the title of International Political Theory. The distinction of this theory from dominant explanatory approaches stems from its emphasis on the role of concepts such as international ethics, justice, values, pluralism, and the possibility of reforming the international order. Despite the significance of these components, a systematic examination of the meta-theoretical foundations of normative theory and their relationship with the capacities and limitations of this approach has received relatively limited attention.

The main research question is: What meta-theoretical foundations underpin normative theory in International Relations, and what critiques and challenges do these foundations encounter at theoretical and practical levels? The research hypothesis argues that normative theory is based on the possibility of establishing value-based and ethical criteria for evaluating the international order, as well as on the relationship between theorizing and political practice. However, these foundations face challenges such as the problem of the objectivity of values and the gap between normative prescriptions and the realities of power in the international system. The innovation of this studyr, it also examines the relationship between the meta-theoretical foundations of this theory and its implications for the analysis and evaluation of the international order