In this paper, the overarching question of the functioning of international relations is addressed based on academic studies. The theories of neorealism and constructivism with their explanatory approaches seem to fit the example particularly well. In the comparison of the two theories and application to the example of the Nord Stream 2 debate in the EU, the status quo of the modus operandi of international relations will be characterized. Specifically, the question will be addressed to what extent the Nord Stream 2 debate can be explained with the help of the perspectives of realism and constructivism.
Regarding the procedure, first, the methods of literature review and qualitative content analysis are discussed. Then, the theories of neorealism and constructivism are dealt with and the understanding that is to apply in this study is described. After that, the state of the research is discussed so that the case studies to be examined can be presented immediately following. Finally, the results of the analysis are presented, and a conclusion is drawn, including an answer to the research question.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Methods
- Literature review
- Qualitative Content Analysis
- Theory
- Neorealism
- Constructivism
- Current research status
- Case studies
- Findings
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay explores the dynamics of international relations through the lens of neorealism and constructivism, utilizing the EU's Nord Stream 2 debate as a case study. The analysis aims to determine the extent to which these theories can explain the complex geopolitical interactions surrounding the project.
- The significance of energy security in the EU and the role of Russia as a major gas supplier.
- The interplay between economics and energy policy within the EU framework.
- The impact of differing national interests and perspectives on the Nord Stream 2 project.
- The influence of international institutions and their role in regulating energy markets.
- The application and comparison of neorealism and constructivism in explaining international relations dynamics.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the context of the Nord Stream 2 debate and its significance in the broader field of European energy security and foreign policy. It outlines the essay's central research question: to what extent can neorealism and constructivism explain the EU's Nord Stream 2 debate?
Chapter 2 discusses the methodologies employed in the analysis. This includes a literature review, which utilizes the systematic review approach of Denyer and Tranfield (2009) to build a framework for the qualitative content analysis. The chapter further explains the chosen methodology of qualitative content analysis, specifically the structuring type developed by Mayring (2015).
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and concepts explored in this essay include: European energy security, Nord Stream 2, neorealism, constructivism, international relations, geopolitical relations, energy policy, EU member states, international institutions, qualitative content analysis, and systematic literature review.
- Quote paper
- Varuna Venker (Author), 2023, Theories of International Politics based on the EU’s Nord Stream 2 Debate, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1383635
