Religion in International Relations Theory

7 Religion and Constructivism

Interactions, ideas, and identities

International relations scholars are still debating whether Constructivism is a theory, a method or an overall interpretive approach, and what kind of intersection it has with other theories (Jackson and Nexon, 2004). Even among those who accept that Constructivism is a theory, there is still discussion about what kind of a theory it is. Adler (1997a: 323) argues that, unlike Realism and Liberalism, it is not a theory of politics per se, but “a social theory that has crucial practical implications for IR Theory.” Risse (2002) states that one can see oneself as a liberal or realist Constructivist.

As we have noted in the introductory chapter, we take Constructivism both as a theory ...