Post-Structural Approaches and Basic Concepts of International Relations

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the theoretical framework of post-structuralist approaches within the International Relations discipline by focusing on their conceptualisation of the main themes in international relations. Ontological and epistemological bases of post-structuralist approaches are presented whereby the focus on discourse, knowledge and power is highlighted. The outlook of the main theoretical bases on the concepts that play a main role in the discursive construction of the modern state, namely sovereignty, identity and foreign policy is discussed. ThIS article finally discusses the main contributions of these approaches to the International Relations discipline as well as the main criticisms that they encounter.