Book Review: 'Fallacy of American cosmopolitan power'

from asia times online........

''The introductory theoretical chapters provide the framework for a synthetic approach that connects the three strands of realism, neo-liberalism, and constructivism in international relations theory.

But, with two chapters devoted to the realist theory and a rehashing of its familiar arguments about global anarchy, state security and power optimization, etc, it is hardly surprising that the end result is a realist domestication of other schools of thought, reflected in the author's claim, "The realist tenets about the optimization of power and the quest for security are constant objectives posited by constructivists and neoliberals." (p 42)

However, there are different strands of both realism and constructivism that do not fit with this generalization, particularly on the dubious assumption regarding power optimization, in light of the emphasis placed on "sufficient" rather than "maximum" power by some nations, not to mention the contemporary diffusion of power and complex interdependence that render those realist tenets under serious question marks. The magic of theorizing is that sharp juxtapositions and inherently contradictory assumptions can disappear by the strike of the pen and by simply adopting a cheerful attitude toward the stasis of paradigmatic divisions".............READ MORE