Transforming minds: using theory to address crises

For Dr Karim Knio, Associate Professor in International Political Economy and Governance and academic coordinator of the Erasmus Mundus Master in Public Policy (MAPP), this idea is central to his research. His work is driven by a passion for uncovering deeper mechanisms behind political crises through innovative theories. In this interview, Dr Knio explores how critical realism—a philosophical approach that emphasizes a layered view of reality—and realist complexity shape his approach to understanding global challenges. He also discusses why we need to rethink our research methodology to address how we think about crises. 

Hi there, Karim! Last time we spoke, you organized the Realist Complexity between Causal and Complex Systems conference with renowned scholars of the field. How was it for you and what came of that? 

‘I thought the conference was a success and great exposure for the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)! We managed to get a high turnout of attendees. We had inspiring speeches from well-known scholars such as the late Margaret Archer, Philip Gorsky, Alan Norrie, and many others. The period after the conference was also quite productive since my colleagues and I edited two special issues about the topic in the Journal of Critical Realism and the Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour.’   

That sounds like a success! It's great to hear that many academics gather around this topic. So, what attracts you to critical realism? 

‘I am interested in critical realism because I am fascinated with the multiple facets of reality and how different types of theories (not) speak and interact with each other while approaching these facets. Critical realism is a philosophy that celebrates a return to the ontological foundations that shape both our knowledge practices and practices about the social and natural world we live in. Unlike other theories that focus on what we observe and how we construct meaning out of our observations and feelings, critical realism is deeply concerned with the process of knowledge production in and of itself.‘ 

And what about complexity theory? 

‘I initially noticed that complexity theory seemed to share some themes with critical realism. For example, both theories avoid linear thinking about time and space and emphasize feedback loops and complex interactions.  However, as I delved deeper with other critical realist scholars, we realized that critical realism approaches complexity in a different way.  
 
Initially, some scholars wanted to combine both theories into what they called ‘complex realism.’ But in a workshop, we held at ISS in 2019, some of my critical realist colleagues cautioned against such a simplistic merger. Instead, we opted for a ‘realist complexity,’ which explores how critical realists understand complexity without simply integrating the two theories.’ 

Interesting! Given this, how does critical realism and complexity theory interact within your research background?  

‘I was originally trained as a political scientist; I did my master’s and my PhD in political economy and European studies, which involves a lot of governance issues. When I joined ISS, I became even more exposed to diverse governance literatures. Governance, public policy, and social ontology often overlap in my work and are related in being multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary. However, I often compare these fields to critical realism. I believe that the deeper principles of knowledge production guide my work.’ 

Okay, help me piece the puzzle together. How do you use these theories within your research? 

'I am exploring the EU’s Mediterranean energy policy, [which aims for decarbonization, competitiveness, security, and sustainability]. In response to the Ukraine war, the EU is seeking ways to reduce its energy dependence on Russia. Since the Eastern Mediterranean region has plenty of gas resources, my research examines how the EC/EU has persistently reacted to energy crises in Mediterranean countries since the late 1960s until the present.

In my opinion, existing literature on the topic oversimplifies these complex issues at a systematic level. However, I believe we need to understand what keeps systems stable over time. Theories I am exploring focus on persistence and perseverance—how systems continue to exist despite challenges. Systemic analysis helps us organize our thoughts about existing crises. When crises persist, we need to ask different questions to understand and potentially resolve them.'

It sounds like you prioritize a more holistic approach to thinking about crises. 

'Indeed. My interest lies in understanding causality and a particular type of thinking about causality inspired by the Dutch philosopher Spinoza (immanent causality). To understand causes properly, we need to go beyond the actuality of events in order to understand the layers behind them. This means that acting and thinking about crises are two different things which should not be combined at the same time.'  

But there seems to be increasing pressure that researchers can and should react and provide expertise on crises in real time. What is your opinion on this? 

'Immediate research as a response to crises is important, but so is long term causal research about crisis as well. The problem today is about lack of balance since more emphasis is granted to the former at the expense of the latter. I believe both strands are complementary to each other but should not be mixed.'

Balance is key. In your teaching and mentoring, how do you encourage to navigate this balance for stronger arguments and outcomes in their research?   

'I teach my MA students and PhD researchers that to truly excel in research, you need to understand what you are arguing for and be knowledgeable about your subject. It is not enough to just be aware of theories or methods—you need to integrate these foundations into every aspect of your research. This means understanding what you are arguing for, knowing the stakes, and being rigorous in how you approach and present your case. Taking knowledge production seriously means integrating it into every aspect of your work. Embracing this approach will strengthen your arguments and improve your research outcomes.' 

It is always a pleasure catching up with you! Thanks, Karim.