Brent J. Steele

Harry D. Gould

Oliver Kessler

This is a book on methods, how scholars embody them and how working within, from or against Constructivism has shaped that use and embodiment. A vibrant cross-section of contributors write of interdisciplinary encounters, first interactions with the ‘discipline’ of International Relations, discuss engagements in different techniques and tactics, and of pursuing different methods ranging from ethnographic to computer simulations, from sociology to philosophy and history. Presenting a range of voices, many constructivist, some outside and even critical of Constructivism, the volume shows methods as useful tools for approaching research and political positions in International Relations, while also containing contingent, inexact, unexpected, and even surprising qualities for opening further research. It gives a rich account of how the discipline was transformed in the 1990s and early 2000s, and how this shaped careers, positions and interactions. It will be of interest to both students and scholars of methods and theory in International Relations and global politics.

Expression and Reflection

Tactical Constructivism, Method, and International Relations

On its face, The Art of World-Making focuses on honouring the career of Nicholas Greenwood Onuf and his contributions to the study of international relations; of equal importance, however, while using Onuf’s work as their touchstone, the contributions to this volume range widely across IR theory, making important interventions in some of the most important topics in the field today. The volume considers the place of Constructivism and Republicanism in the field of international relations, and the contestation that accompanies the question of their place in the field, asking: • What explains the dominance of some forms of Constructivism and the relative lack of influence of other forms? • What can rule-oriented Constructivism, the focus here, provide our field that other forms of Constructivism have been unable to? • Into what new and productive directions can Constructivism be taken? • What are its gaps and what are the resources to remedy those gaps? • What can Republicanism tell us about ongoing issues in international law, global governance, liberalism, and crisis? Drawing together essays from some of the leading scholars in the field, space is given after each chapter for a detailed and highly personal response piece to each contribution, written by Onuf. This unique volume will be essential reading for students and scholars of international relations.

Harry D. Gould

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