Good Example Of Essay On Political Science

Constructivism, realism and libertarianism

Compared to liberalism and realism, constructivism has been subjected to a series of skepticism over its perceived irrelevance in the international relations and foreign policy scene. As a ‘newcomer’, its theories and beliefs have therefore always been under constant scrutiny in an attempt to understand its basis to allow for a more cohesive understanding on its contribution to operational politics. An analysis of some significant events in history including the United States NATO’s foreign policy however highlight that despite the contrasting views, constructivism complements the theories and actions of realism and liberalism in a number of ways.
Realism believes that people can do little to change the order of life (Smith 79). It understands and emphasizes on the central concept of predestination. Liberalism on other hand offers the option of a particular route to human destiny that is within the grasp of individuals who can do so much to influence their path with the choices they make (Smith 79). Constructivism believes that the world is always under continuous construction, it contributes to the views of liberalism and realism in a number of significant points.
Secondly, constructivism adds on to the material and ideational concepts of liberalism and realism through its emphasis on the significance of social foundational structures (Smith 84). It for instance highlights that it is not only the military power and natural resources of a nation that matter, but also social factors like language, symbols and rules that are necessary for the construction of identity (Smith 85)
Additionally, although it is only liberalism and realism that are able to offer visions of future world orders, constructivism has the contribution of being better fitted for use as an applied framework in the understanding of foreign policy. It has been important in the international relations docket due to its critical role in edifying themes like balance of power and the difference between state interest and identity (Smith 87).
Together with other its other contributions on issues like interests and logics of action, it is evident that constructivism is in fact a necessary component of foreign policy as it helps to reduce an over reliance on the liberal and realistic components. Constructivism is therefore necessary especially as a moderating and organizing agent for a further cohesive understanding of international relations.

Work Cited

Steve, Smith et al., Eds. Themes, Actors and Cases. Oxford: UP. 2012. Print.