Neoclassical realism in European politics: Bringing power back in - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0719083524 ISBN 13: 9780719083525

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 2012

Synopsis

Realism is making a comeback in Europe. This book brings together a new generation of realist scholars. It provides a rigorous survey for specialists seeking to understand the dynamics of international relations in a time of change. The volume thus seeks to explore the European dimension to neoclassical realism. The hope with this book is that it will spark a debate that, in time, might lead to the re-emergence of a distinctly European realist school which draws on the roots of the historical, non-American realist tradition, benefiting from insights in the liberal-constructivist paradigm. Through detailed case studies, the book illustrates that power and influence remain fruitful, even indispensable variables through which to understand the formation of foreign policy.

About this title

About the Authors

Dr. Asle Toje is functioning Research Director at the Norwegian Nobel Institute

Dr. Barbara Kunz is Project Manager at the Bertelsmann Stiftung, Germany

From the Back Cover

Neoclassical Realism in Europe: bringing power back in provides a concise, provocative analysis of understanding relations at a time when the international system is in transition from unipolarity to multipolarity. In exploring the tenets of neoclassical realism, this work reasserts traditional ways of understanding international politics in terms of power and influence. The relevance of this is in empirical case studies related to key questions in European foreign and security politics. By viewing European integration from a realist vantage point, the work challenges established orthodoxy that emphasises the alleged sui generis nature of the EU which can only be understood by sui generis theoretical constructs – a notion that goes against the very essence of theorising. Through detailed case studies, the book illustrates that power and influence remain fruitful, even indispensable variables through which to understand foreign policy formation. The volume illustrates the continued relevance of the most established international relations theory and that this perspective is not mutually exclusive, but rather complimentary with the dominance of liberal theories (in America) and social constructivism (in Europe). The findings of the study have important implications for the understanding of the logic of integration and of the EU as a foreign policy actor. Neoclassical Realism in Europe: bringing power back in is designed for use in courses on international relations theory and European Studies. It also provides a rigorous survey for specialists seeking to understand the dynamics of international relations in a time of change.

Edition details

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0719083524
• ISBN 13: 9780719083525
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288
• Editor: Toje Asle, Kunz Barbara