Realist Constructivism: Rethinking International Relations Theory

by J. Samuel Barkin

Realism and constructivism, two key contemporary theoretical approaches to the study of international relations, are commonly taught as mutually exclusive ways of understanding the subject. Realist Constructivism explores the common ground between the two, and demonstrates that, rather than being in simple opposition, they have areas of both tension and overlap. There is indeed space to engage in a realist constructivism. But at the same time, there are important distinctions between them, and there remains a need for a constructivism that is not realist, and a realism that is not constructivist. Samuel Barkin argues more broadly for a different way of thinking about theories of international relations, that focuses on the corresponding elements within various approaches rather than on a small set of mutually exclusive paradigms. Realist Constructivism provides an interesting new way for scholars and students to think about international relations theory.

Genres: International Relations

204 pages, Hardcover

First published March 25, 2010

Reviews

[Lezli Ndreca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommended to anyone with background knowledge of IR traditional theories. It provides new and alternative insights to the standard paradigm-based approach found in IR textbooks. IR students are taught about the different paradigms that have emerged in the past century, presented in opposition with one another, with little to no room for an orthogonal understanding of their core concepts. Barkin suggests how theories are not to be taken as black boxes, capable of explaining certain times and events in world politics. In fact, no single theory does, nor can, comprehensively explain such complexity. He advances an approach in which international relations are observed through a hybrid set of concepts drawn from different academic perspectives. He makes the case for points of compatibility between Realism and Constructivism.

[Jerad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embodied smart person gets so smart it stops sounding like left wing, right wing, or anything. Instead, it comes down to post-modern methodology which is much needed. Also its good to have anything academic done on Realism that isn't either completely opinion, or a bunch of Strategy-brats (a different breed from Strategy-nerds) combing through their struggles of masculinity and career identity; needing a side to identify with (we all know them).

Its really well written with a lot a strong understanding of philosophy, political philosophy, and strategy.

[Peter Henne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book that fell short of its ambitions, or, to be more fair, fell short of my ambitions for it. Barkin demonstrates how realist and constructivism could be used alongside each other, but this requires realism in IR to return to its classical realist roots. This is unlikely to happen. And returning to classical realism isn't as easy at it seems.

I think this book is a good first step, and should be followed by investigation into how power politics can occur within belief systems, similar to the argument Jackson and Nexon made in their 2004 International Studies Review piece.