Realist Constructivism

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.

Author: J. Samuel Barkin
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 03/25/2010
Pages: 204
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.40w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780521198714

Review Citation(s):
Choice 11/01/2010

About the Author
Barkin, J. Samuel: - J. Samuel Barkin is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Florida. His previous books include International Organization: Theories and Institutions (2006) and Social Construction and the Logic of Money (2003). He was also the co-editor of Anarchy and the Environment (1999).

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