Questioning Cognitivism and Constructivism in IR Theory

In recent years, it has been highlighted in international relations theory that mainstream approaches neglect the role of ideas in relation to the formation of interests and international cooperation. This article critically discusses the renewed emphasis on ideas. ‘Cognitive’ and ‘constructivist’ approaches are outlined as the two main strands in the debate and a neo-Gramscian position within it is sketched. Importantly, a neo-Gramscian position is able to conceptualise the material structure of ideas, thereby overcoming the separation between ideas and material structure from the very beginning

Cognition · Cognitivism (psychology · Constructivism (international relations · Epistemology · International relations · International relations theory · Mainstream · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Elite Sociology and Global Capitalism · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Law · Philosophy · Political theory and Gramsci · Psychology

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