Abstract
In the last decade constructivist theories of International Relations (IR) have made a significant impact upon the discipline. Like Feminist, Postmodern and Green IR theory, there is no one constructivist position, but instead a variety of positions stretching across the theoretical spectrum from conventional-realist variants to more critical-postmodern perspectives (Hopf 1998 in Linklater 2000b; Reus-Smit 2001).
I define the national interest as the objective interests of state-society complexes, consisting of four needs: physical survival, autonomy, economic well-being, and collective self-esteem.
(Alexander Wendt, A Social Theory of International Politics)
We do not know what we want if we do not know who we are. This insight holds for foreign policy as much as it does for personal preferences.
(Glenn Chafetz et al., The Origins of National Interests)
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© 2005 Scott Burchill
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Burchill, S. (2005). Progressive Perspectives: Constructivism. In: The National Interest in International Relations Theory. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230005778_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230005778_7
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-52596-6
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-00577-8
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