Login | Register

Tastes great? Less filling? : on the coherence of constructivisms in IR theory

Title:

Tastes great? Less filling? : on the coherence of constructivisms in IR theory

Karaboghossian, Ara (2005) Tastes great? Less filling? : on the coherence of constructivisms in IR theory. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

[thumbnail of MR04326.pdf]
Preview
Text (application/pdf)
MR04326.pdf - Accepted Version
7MB

Abstract

Realist/neo-realist and neo-liberal institutional approaches of international relations (IR) theory, which take a rationalist/systemic approach using the state as a primary unit of analysis, have recently come under fire. As a result of what has been characterized as the 'third debate' or critical turn, the discipline of IR seems to have congealed around seemingly intractable dichotomous conceptualizations of theorizing and research: structural vs. post-structural, and positivist vs. post-positivist. The first part of this thesis is concerned with assessing the various constructivist critiques targeting the dominant theories. Since not all constructivists are classified or classify themselves as post-structuralist and/or post-positivist, the second part of the thesis attempts to unpack the category of IR constructivism. By comparing and contrasting two diametrically opposed constructivist strands--modernist and post-structural--on the central constructivist themes of intersubjectivity, identity, and representation, the thesis attempts to verify whether a common core of principles exists between the opposing strands. The modernist work of Alexander Wendt (supplemented by Emanuel Adler and John Gerard Ruggie) is compared to the post-structural position of David Campbell (supplemented by Richard K. Ashley and R. B. J. Walker). The result of the analysis demonstrates that, even within the diametrically opposed strands, a common core of constructivist principles does exist

Divisions:Concordia University > Faculty of Arts and Science > Political Science
Item Type:Thesis (Masters)
Authors:Karaboghossian, Ara
Pagination:v, 99 leaves ; 29 cm.
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A.
Program:Political Science
Date:2005
Thesis Supervisor(s):Lipson, M
Identification Number:JZ 1242 K37 2005
ID Code:8280
Deposited By: Concordia University Library
Deposited On:18 Aug 2011 18:20
Last Modified:13 Jul 2020 20:03
Related URLs:
All items in Spectrum are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved. The use of items is governed by Spectrum's terms of access.

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Downloads per month over past year

Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
- Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
Back to top Back to top