Summary

Founded in 2019, the Visual International Relations Project (VIRP) seeks to improve communication in a vast and complex discipline. The principal means toward that end is an archive of single-page diagrams that represent the arguments of publications in International Relations (IR). These graphics are based on an easily intelligible set of rules from the systemist method and created with user-friendly software. Over 1,000 systemist figures appear in the VIRP archive at present and cover a wide range of subject matter. Entries are added to the archive on an ongoing basis.

Graphics from the VIRP archive are intended to assist with research and teaching in IR. A few examples follow by way of introduction and many more could be added. In each instance, cognitive psychology undergirds the claims that are made on behalf of the VIRP in terms of value added. Research from cognitive psychology supports the blending together of communication in words and graphics in order to achieve higher levels of understanding and retention.

With regard to research, a systemist diagram can assist with “brush clearing” at the stage of a literature search. The graphic might be able to decide for a researcher whether to invest the time in a careful reading of an item in the context of a specific project. Another possibility is to read through a set of systemist diagrams when embarking on a new area of work, in order to gain basic familiarity before moving on to the more extensive task of reading through the relevant literature.

In terms of teaching, consider the value of the archive as a memory aid. For a professor reviewing the contents of a lecture, items cited along the way could be viewed in the archive rather than re-read in full. Based on experience, the viewing of systemist graphics can provide a sufficient level of recall for lecture-related purposes. Along the same lines, consider the vast amount of reading that a doctoral student must complete in order to get ready for qualifying exams. Viewing graphic summaries for respective items on the reading list could provide a way to more efficiently prepare for a comprehensive exam that is based on literally hundreds of academic publications.

The VIRP, at this stage of development, already has a track record of accomplishment in research and teaching. A hybrid contribution, already implemented in multiple settings, is to facilitate brainstorming sessions. For this reason alone, the VIRP may be regarded as a resource for policymakers as well as academe.