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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Methods
2.1. Literature review
2.2. Qualitative Content Analysis
3. Theory
3.1. Neorealism
3.2. Constructivism
4. Current research status
5. Case studies
6. Findings
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
Research Objectives & Core Topics
This paper aims to examine the functionality of international relations by applying the theoretical lenses of neorealism and constructivism to the specific case of the European Union's Nord Stream 2 debate. The primary goal is to determine to what extent these two distinct perspectives can explain the political dynamics and preferences observed in this controversial infrastructure project.
- Theoretical comparison of Neorealism and Constructivism
- Application of Qualitative Content Analysis to academic literature
- Analysis of European energy security and geopolitical decision-making
- Evaluation of actor preferences, normative shifts, and material interests
- Assessment of international institutions in regulating energy markets
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. Neorealism
Politically, realism became the most influential school of thought during the Cold War. Modern political science developed classical realism into neorealism. International relations owes two key assumptions to neorealist theory. The first is that the international system is characterized by anarchy. Anarchy is not understood as chaos, but rather as the absence of a central authority that can set binding rules for all actors and enforce them against resistance. Anarchy is the opposite of hierarchy because all actors are in principle similar and equal to each other. Similar means that they all perform the same functions. Since they cannot rely on any authority, they have to rely on self-help. This refers above all to their safety. Thus, the main interest of states is security above all else (Waltz, 1979).
The second assumption is that states are the central or even the only actors in international relations. All other types of actors can be neglected in the research. States are also not further subdivided according to different actors. This characteristic is the essential difference between international relations and politics within states because there is a monopoly on the use of force to which citizens as actors must subordinate themselves (Waltz, 1979).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the impact of the Nord Stream 2 project on European energy policy and sets the overarching research question regarding international relations theories.
2. Methods: Explains the systematic approach for conducting a literature review and the application of Mayring’s qualitative content analysis to structure the research.
3. Theory: Details the core tenets of neorealism and constructivism, providing a comparative framework for analyzing state and actor behavior.
4. Current research status: Discusses existing literature regarding the Nord Stream 2 debate, highlighting political, economic, and geopolitical factors.
5. Case studies: Presents three specific academic studies that serve as the empirical basis for analyzing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.
6. Findings: Evaluates the selected case studies using the previously established category system to determine their alignment with realist or constructivist perspectives.
7. Conclusion: Integrates the findings and confirms that while both theories offer valuable insights, they are most informative when used as a synthetic pair rather than as exclusive explanations.
8. Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and theoretical works cited throughout the essay.
Keywords
Nord Stream 2, Neorealism, Constructivism, International Relations, European Union, Energy Security, Geopolitics, Qualitative Content Analysis, State Actors, Norm Building, Anarchy, Power Politics, Energy Policy, Political Science, Case Study Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this academic paper?
The paper focuses on exploring the mechanisms of international relations by investigating how the Nord Stream 2 debate within the European Union can be explained through the theoretical frameworks of neorealism and constructivism.
What are the central themes discussed in the analysis?
The core themes include energy security, the influence of material interests versus normative beliefs, the role of states in an anarchic environment, and the challenges of European energy policy integration.
What is the primary research question?
The primary research question is: To what extent can the EU's Nord Stream 2 debate be explained from the perspective of realism and constructivism?
Which scientific methods are employed in this study?
The author employs a systematic literature review combined with a qualitative content analysis based on the structuring technique developed by Philipp Mayring.
What is the main focus of the chapters that form the core of the work?
The core chapters define the theoretical framework of neorealism and constructivism, review the current research status of the Nord Stream 2 project, and analyze three specific case studies against this theoretical background.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Nord Stream 2, Neorealism, Constructivism, Energy Security, and European Integration, reflecting the intersection of theoretical international relations and practical geopolitical policy.
How does the author define anarchy within the neorealist framework?
Neorealist anarchy is not defined as total chaos, but as the absence of a central, overarching authority capable of imposing and enforcing binding rules upon sovereign states.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the two theories?
The author concludes that neither theory provides a sufficient explanation on its own, and that they are best used in tandem to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex political dynamics at play in the Nord Stream 2 debate.
- 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
