Russian-American confrontation in the assessments of international relations theorists
https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2020-2-48-61
Abstract
This article summarizes the theoretical and methodological research conducted on the causes of the confrontation between the USSR and the USA; an attempt is made to answer the questions: Why was it impossible to create cooperative relations and develop the Russian-American dialogue in a positive direction after the end of the Cold War? Why did the current crisis occur in the bilateral relations? What are the opportunities for improving them? A critical understanding of the leading theoretical schools and approaches in the theory of international relations (realism, idealism, Marxism and constructivism) provides the author with the ground to argue that the concept of social constructivism in the best possible way explains the reasons for the current state of the Russian-American relations. It is the ideas, beliefs and norms of the actors that form state interests, which, are able to transform the norms, rules and institutions of the international system. Constructivism refers to the possibilities of changing the nature of the social interaction between the states and gives a fundamental shift in understanding various problems through the formation of common values, expectations in terms of ideas and social discourses.
About the Author
O. A. Khlopov
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Oleg A. Khlopov, Cand. of Sci. (Political Science), associate professor
bld. 6, Miusskaya Square, Moscow, Russia, 125993
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Review
For citations:
Khlopov O.A. Russian-American confrontation in the assessments of international relations theorists. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin Series "Political Science. History. International Relations". 2020;(2):48-61. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2020-2-48-61
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