Constructivism and structural realism are two theories of IR that seem to differ in their argumentations. The proponents of the structural realism seem to base the establishment of international relations on political powers while the social constructivists argue that international relations are socially constructed. Structural realism supports the decentralization of the international structure and the equality in sovereignty among all states or international actors. However, in the constructivism theory, the international relations seem to be grounded on social interactions, where the role of all international actors in negotiating international relations has central importance. The two theories view the interests and identities of the international actors differently. Structuralism views the interests and the identities of the international actors from the perspective of political powers while constructivism views them as socially constructed. Thus, social constructivism maintains that the interests and identities of the international actors or states are not predetermined by the state power or anarchy.
Why theories of international relations should be concerned with gender issues
Theories of international relations should be concerned with gender issues because the major discussion within international relations has remained constrained by males, who do not show any concern for the role of women in international politics. The main players such as policy makers in international relations are males. Therefore, theories of IR should consider gender issue to prevent the perpetuation of the exclusion of females. The feminist theory highlights the impacts of language on how different theorists and politicians perceive the international politics in various ways. The theory argues that theorists define their theories and state their purposes in a language that is centered on males. The theory also presents the definitions of different concepts by various theorists as if they are used with an objective of protecting the interests of a particular gender.
Meaning of Eurocentrism from post colonial approach
Eurocentrism means perceiving the values, culture, and concerns of the European states as more important and putting great emphasis on them without considering the cultures, values, and concerns of other regions. It involves viewing the world from the perspective of the west and claiming or denying some cultures as only or never existed in the European states. Eurocetrism in post colonial approach can be viewed as ethnocentrism since the western states are viewed as superior to other regions. European history and culture are widely focused on or implicitly paid attention to as if they are the representatives of the world. For example, the international studies focus on American and European states in details and only mention other regions briefly.
Whether a revisionist histography is important for IR theories
The history of American empire dominates a significant part of IR studies, especially notions of race. Racism has been a great propeller for the course of the U.S, especially in the 19th century, and this interfered with the manner in which international relations was taught and understood. Theories such as social Darwinism, racial anthropology, and evolutionary theory have been significant facets for long as far as IR is concerned, and both blacks and white scholars should reconstitute forgotten historical dialogues to show the contribution of race in IR formation. The domination of a field that studies international issues by the national issues of one country or one region is unacceptable, irrespective of the contributions of that region to that field. The understanding of national issues affecting other regions in the world would be more useful in constructing more inclusive international relation theories. Therefore, a revisionist histography will be more important to revise IR theories.
Why the critical theorists are concerned with the question of emancipation and how their concerns differ with realist theories
The critical theory is concerned with emancipation as the basis for the foundation of international relations. The reason as to why critical theory raises this concern is because there is a need to eliminate all circumstances that lead to human enslavement in order to transform the world and enhance the international relations. The main argument in the critical theory differs with the realistic theory that argues for the establishment of the international relation on the basis of political powers. Unlike the realistic theory, critical theorist uses a varied dimension that emphasizes the increase of human freedom through liberation from slavery and decreased political domination.
