Crises have historically influenced the development of the international system, but recent crises differ in their scope and impact. These current crises are global and significantly influence the system's structure, creating a narrative of Dark Times characterized by uncertainty, complexity, and fear. Hannah Arendt describes the Dark Times as a “historical moment of horror,” posing challenges for political theorists to understand the role of theory amid such critical moments. It is vital to reconsider how theory helps interpret these crises that define the Dark Times. The emerging field of Comparative Political Theory (CPT) can contribute to this discussion by encouraging consideration of diverse Non-Western traditions, which have helped identify shared elements affected by Dark Times worldwide. Since the concept of Crisis is primarily Eurocentric, aligned with Western modernity’s vocabulary and concepts, applying CPT can reshape our understanding of the role of theory during these times. This approach highlights the importance of political theory in addressing crises and their effects on the international system. Through CPT, several questions emerge: what can Non-Western philosophical traditions reveal about Dark Times and crises that differ from Western narratives? How might incorporating these traditions transform crisis thinking concerning security, global challenges, and system stability?