 IR theories can be categorised on the basis of normativity.In line with the is–ought problem, non-normative empirical theories seek to explain why certain events or trends exist in world politics (what the world "is"), whereas normative theories are concerned with the events or trends that should exist (what the world "ought" to be) and how to make ethical judgements accordingly.Smith, Baylis & Owens (2008) make the case that the normative position is to make the world a better place, and that this theoretical worldview aims to do so by being aware of implicit assumptions and explicit assumptions that constitute a non-normative position and align or position the normative towards the loci of other key socio-political theories such as political liberalism, Marxism, political constructivism, political realism, political idealism and political globalization.