Realist Constructivism (Paperback)

J. Samuel Barkin

ISBN 10: 0521121817 / ISBN 13: 9780521121811

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2010

About this Item

Paperback. 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. Realism and constructivism are usually taught as mutually exclusive ways of understanding international relations. J. Samuel Barkin argues for a different way of thinking about theories of international relations that focuses on the corresponding elements within these two approaches rather than on a small set of mutually exclusive paradigms. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780521121811

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Realist Constructivism (Paperback)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521121817
• ISBN 13: 9780521121811
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

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.

About the Author

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).