Bridging the Gap: Toward A Realist-Constructivist Dialogue

• Published in: International Studies Review 2004-06, Vol.6 (2), p.337-337
• Main Author: Jackson, Patrick Thaddeus
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anarchy; Ancient Greek Philosophy; Appetite; Constructivism; Dialectic; Ethics; Idealism; International politics; International Relations; Liberalism; Philosophical realism; Power; Realism; Social Constructionism; Social constructivism; Social constructs; The Forum; Theoretical Problems
• ISSN: 1521-9488; 1468-2486
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1521-9488.2004.419_1.x

Provides a series of comments on J. Samuel Barkin's "Realist Constructivism" (2003) In Constructivist Realism or Realist Constructivism, Patrick Thaddeus Jackson & Daniel H. Nexon position Barkin's realist constructivism in a framework on the basis of the extent to which international relations are socially constructed & the extent to which power can be transcended in international politics. In offering this framework, four ideal-type approaches are delineated: liberalism, realism, liberal constructivism, & realist constructivism. It is concluded that Barkin's formulation fails to provide a true alternative to liberal constructivism. In Realist-Constructivism and Morality, Jennifer Sterling-Folker contends that Barkin never says how the realist-contructivist combination handles morality in international relations. The ontological tensions between realism & constructivism are discussed, arguing that any discussion of morality must confront this basic dialectic. In this light, the problematic nature of liberal theorizing is considered, suggesting that Barkin has wed his realist constructivism to the "blandest of liberal programs," which is seen as offering no theoretical progress. In Power in Realist-Constructivist Research, Janice Bially Mattern concurs with the other commentators that Barkin has not effectively articulated his position, arguing that little that is truly innovative has been posited. She suggests that a realist-constructivist approach should emphasize the forms & expressions of power entailed in social construction. Using the example of the security community development, the disappointing results of a realist-constructivist approach are discussed, & an alternative application shows how it can move beyond the liberal constructivist analytical framework. In Constructive Realism, Richard Ned Lebow looks to ancient Greek thought on power as rooted in fear to demonstrate how the realist & constructivist traditions can work together. The clash between liberalism & realism is then touched on, &, given the complexities of the international system, a synergistic cross-paradigm approach is advocated. In Realist Constructivism and Realist-Constructivisms, Barkin's response to the four theoretical formulations focuses on the centrality of power to international relations, but offers the caveat that its analytical utility is undermined if everything is defined as power. Some attention is given to the power-ideals dialectic, &, in closing, some remarks a