Constructivist Turn in Political Representation

The constructivist turn in Western political thought is explored in this volume, highlighting the importance of representation for democratic politics. It includes 13 newly commissioned essays that develop the concept across three thematic parts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The roots of the constructivist turn in Western political thought are explored in this volume, which traces the distinct traditions of Continental and Anglo-American thought. Divided into three thematic parts, the book presents 13 newly commissioned essays that develop the constructivist turn as a central concept. The essays argue that democratic politics cannot exist without representation, and that constituencies or groups can only be agents of democratic politics if they are represented.

Part I: Constructivist Origins and Foundations

The first part of the volume explores the origins and foundations of constructivism in Western political thought. It begins by tracing the development of constructivism from its early roots in the work of philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and Jean-Jacques Rousseau to its contemporary manifestations in the work of scholars such as Alexander Wendt, John Searle, and Michael Walzer. The essays in this part highlight the key ideas and concepts that have shaped constructivism, including the idea of social construction, the role of language in shaping reality, and the importance of identity and culture in shaping political behavior.

Part II: Constructivist Perspectives on International Relations

The second part of the volume examines constructivist perspectives on international relations. It begins by exploring the role of international institutions in shaping international relations, and then examines the ways in which constructivism can be used to analyze and understand international conflicts and crises. The essays in this part highlight the importance of identity, culture, and power in shaping international relations, and the ways in which constructivism can be used to promote peace and stability.

Part III: Constructivist Applications in Domestic Politics

The third part of the volume examines constructivist applications in domestic politics. It begins by exploring the role of political institutions in shaping domestic politics, and then examines the ways in which constructivism can be used to analyze and understand domestic conflicts and crises. The essays in this part highlight the importance of identity, culture, and power in shaping domestic politics, and the ways in which constructivism can be used to promote social justice and equality.

In conclusion, this volume traces the roots of the constructivist turn in Western political thought, and presents 13 newly commissioned essays that develop the constructivist turn as a central concept. The essays argue that democratic politics cannot exist without representation, and that constituencies or groups can only be agents of democratic politics if they are represented. The volume provides a comprehensive overview of the constructivist tradition, and will be of interest to scholars and students of Western political thought, international relations, and domestic politics.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474442619