ABSTRACT
The discipline of International Relations is primarily focused on the Great Powers. Within the field, the realist/neorealist paradigm continues to be dominant, hence attention is directed towards the power and capabilities of actors in the international system. Robert Keohane lists three basic assumptions of realism and neo-realism. Firstly, the state is the basic unit of analysis. Secondly, states are power maximizers. Thirdly, in international relations we are dealing with rational actors. Not only is it important to locate the human subjects in terms of geographical location but also in terms of their position historically. Argentina, Brazil and Chile have all experienced profound transitions during the 1980s and 1990s. In international relations, the most salient narratives to consider are national narratives. National culture plays a role in foreign policy and Morgenthau recognizes the importance of political culture. National narratives then are complex and multifaceted phenomena. At times they are contradictory.
