Realist Constructivism: A Hybrid Approach Shaping Modern Power Politics

In the ever-evolving landscape of International Relations, the theoretical divide between realism and constructivism has long been a focal point for scholars. However, a new hybrid approach, Realist Constructivism, proposed by J. Samuel Barkin in 2010, bridges these schools of thought to better explain global politics today. Realist constructivism acknowledges the tangle of power and moral ideas, integrating the structural focus of realism with the ideational aspects of constructivism. It posits that states pursue power-driven objectives shaped by ideational forces, such as culture, religion, or historical narratives. The cases of Turkiye under Recep Tayyip Erdogan and India under Narendra Modi offer compelling illustrations of this theory in action.

Realist Constructivism:

Realism and constructivism at first glance may seem incompatible as realism emphasizes power, national interests, and the anarchic nature of the international system, often discounting ideational factors. Whereas, constructivism focuses on the impact of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping state behavior. J. Samuel Barkin’s Realist Constructivism melds these perspectives, asserting that power and morality are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined forces driving international politics.

Barkin’s theory highlights five key tenets:

1. Power and Morality: Political change requires a balance between power and moral ideas. contextually morality cannot function independently of power in international relations.
2. Normative Change and Power Structures: Norms influence power dynamics, and power, in turn, reshapes norms. Creating a reciprocal relationship.
3. Compatibility of Moral Ideas and Power Pursuit: Even morally motivated actions are often underpinned by power-driven interests.
4. Ideas and Balance of Power: Ideologies and identities shape the way states define their interests and pursue power.
5. States as Rational Actors: States make rational decisions based on cost-benefit analyses influenced by their ideational underpinnings.

These principles underscore the notion that ideas are rooted in religion, culture, or historical memory and it always serve as a catalyst for realist power pursuits, giving rise to what Barkin calls ‘Realist Constructivism’.

Turkiye Under Erdogan:

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership exemplifies realist constructivism through his vision of reviving Turkiye’s Ottoman-era influence. This vision integrates a constructivist framework of identity and historical memory with realist power politics.

Erdogan’s invocation of Ottoman nostalgia aligns with the idea of Turkiye as the leader of the Muslim ummah. This constructivist narrative seeks to unify Muslims under Turkish leadership, evoking a shared historical identity to bolster Turkiye’s international stature. Moreover, the realist narrative translates into power-driven actions, such as Turkiye’s assertive policies in the Eastern Mediterranean, military interventions in Syria and Libya, and alliances with Muslim-majority states like Pakistan and Malaysia. These moves aim to expand Turkiye’s geopolitical influence and secure a dominant position in the international order.

The blending of ideological aspirations with strategic maneuvers positions Turkiye as a rising power, not merely through military and economic means but also by reshaping norms within the Muslim world. Erdogan’s policies illustrate how the constructivist goal of reviving Ottoman glory intersects with the realist pursuit of regional and global power.

India Under Modi:

India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers another case of realist constructivism, where the constructivist ideal of a Hindu nationalist identity fuels realist objectives of regional and global prominence.

Modi’s agenda as grounded in the ideology of Hindutva seeks to redefine India as a Hindu state. The construction of the Ram Mandir on the disputed Babri Masjid site, bans on cow slaughter, and policies targeting minorities reflect a drive to institutionalize Hindu identity as central to India’s national ethos. The concept of “Akhand Bharat” further underscores the aspiration to create a culturally unified, dominant Hindu state.

However, Modi’s government pairs these ideological goals with realist strategies, including revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, bolstering military capabilities, and asserting dominance in South Asia. These actions aim to enhance India’s power projection while aligning with the ideological narrative of Hindu resurgence. By intertwining the pursuit of Hindu nationalism with power-maximizing policies, Modi’s leadership exemplifies realist constructivism, showcasing how ideational forces drive strategic objectives.

A World Shaped by Realist Constructivism

The global political landscape increasingly reflects the principles of realist constructivism. Leaders like Erdogan and Modi illustrate how ideas and identities can be leveraged to achieve power-driven goals, reshaping international norms and power structures in the process. This hybrid approach offers a nuanced lens for understanding contemporary politics, where states are not solely motivated by power or ideals but by a dynamic interplay of both.

Today Realist Constructivism is providing a framework to understand state actions that cannot be fully explained by pure realism or constructivism. It also highlights the role of historical, cultural, and ideological narratives in shaping state behavior. However, in contemporary power politics, from China’s Belt and Road Initiative to Russia’s Orthodox nationalism, realist constructivism offers insights into how states merge identity with strategic ambition.

Conclusion:

As the international system evolves, the rigid paradigms of realism and constructivism struggle to account for the complexity of modern state behavior. Realist constructivism fills this gap, demonstrating how ideas and power interact to shape global politics. The cases of Turkiye and India vividly illustrate this theory in practice, where ideological visions of historical or cultural greatness drive power-maximizing actions on the world stage. In an era where power and ideas are inseparable, realist constructivism offers a compelling framework to navigate the intricacies of contemporary international relations.