Power in Realist-Constructivist Research

Abstract

Samuel Barkin is correct: constructivism and realism do have more to say to each other than the IR literature might lead one to think. What is unclear, however, is the extent to which Barkin has compellingly outlined the parameters of such a conversation. In this Forum, both Jackson and Nexon and Jennifer Sterling-Folker object that he has not, each arguing, for different reasons, that Barkin has defined the terms of the conversation in a way that sells the potential of realist constructivism short. I agree—for yet different reasons. Specifically, if we take Barkin's rendition of realist constructivism at face value and then proceed to engage the research agenda it implies, we are not likely to glean any particularly novel insights about international politics. Indeed, Barkin's realist constructivism appears to offer exactly the same insights as the liberal-constructivist approach against which his realist constructivism is positioned. What we need is a realist-constructivist approach that emphasizes the forms and expressions of power entailed in social construction. This focus implies an innovative research agenda that not only can, but already has generated novel insights about international politics. Consider Barkin's realist constructivism. As he describes its logic, it is not a theory about how international politics works, but a method for studying international politics. This means realist constructivism should be understood as a set of practices, procedures, or guidelines for inquiry into the substantive problems of international relations. Outlining those research guidelines, Barkin (2003:337) argues that realist constructivism involves an analytic focus on the dialectic between ideals and power. In essence, it consists of a focus on how “power structures affect patterns of normative change in international relations” and “how a particular set of norms affects power structures.” As vague as this sounds, sympathetically inclined individuals will nevertheless accept that it has the …