Role theory promises to build an empirical bridge between agent and structure in international relations. Agents, or individuals working singly or in groups, are embedded in the social and cultural institutions of the states they represent as foreign policy decision makers. Their perspective on the world has been shaped by those institutions. These agents navigate the structure of the international system, which can present both opportunities and constraints: there are times when agents have ample opportunity to influence and alter the structure of the international system. At other times, agents have little opportunity to reshape preexisting roles.