Abstract
This chapter explores the claim that international society is socially constructed and investigates how that insight might shape the way we think about the relationship between security communities and their neighbours. Although the so-called constructivist synthesis in International Relations theory1 is relatively recent, many of the insights it offers resonate closely with Karl Deutsch’s view of international relations as a social and communicative activity. Both emphasise the way that state behaviour is framed by membership of an international society imbued with common norms, identities and values. This view turns realist commonsense on its head. It teaches us, for instance, that states in central Europe today have certain interests because they are members of NATO, rather than becoming members of NATO in order to fulfil pre-existing interests.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
