ABSTRACT

Framed by a new and substantial introductory chapter, this book collects Stefano Guzzini’s reference articles and some less well-known publications on power, realism and constructivism. By analysing theories and their assumptions, but also theorists following their intellectual paths, his analysis explores the diversity of different schools, and moves beyond simple definitions to explore their intrinsic tensions and fallacies. Guzzini’s approach to the analysis of power – within and outside International Relations – provides the common theme of the book through which the theoretical state of the art in IR is reassessed.

A novel analysis of power and the potential limits of realism and constructivism in International Relations, Power, Realism and Constructivism will be of interest to students and scholars of international relations, international political economy, social and political theory, and the study of power.

chapter |12 pages

Introduction

Power and the study of politics

part I|93 pages

Power

part II|79 pages

Realism

chapter 8|6 pages

Foreign Policy Without Diplomacy

The Bush administration at a crossroads

chapter 9|23 pages

Robert Gilpin

A realist quest for the dynamics of power

chapter 10|11 pages

Susan Strange's Oscillating Realism

Opposing the ideal — and the apparent

part III|99 pages

Constructivism

chapter 12|20 pages

The Concept of Power

A constructivist analysis

chapter 13|10 pages

‘The Cold War is What We Make of It'

When peace research meets constructivism in International Relations

chapter 14|21 pages

Alexander Wendt's Constructivism

A relentless quest for synthesis

chapter 15|18 pages

Imposing Coherence

The central role of practice in Friedrich Kratochwil's theorising of politics, international relations and science

chapter |18 pages

Epilogue

The significance and roles of teaching theory in International Relations