Operation Inherent resolve. A structural realist perspective and a social constructivist perspective compares
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2015-11-11
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en
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This disciplined interpretative crucial case study examines the willingness of the United States to conduct Operation Inherent Resolve by comparing two conflicting theoretical approaches, being the theory of structural realism and the social constructivist theoretical approach. The former explains this intervention by interest/power considerations, the latter explains this intervention by focusing on norms and perceptions. After an extensive empirical analysis, sufficient empirical evidence is found to conclude that Operation Inherent Resolve can be explained by the zero-sum game mechanism which is a feature of an international system with a bipolar character. Therefore, structural realism can explain this intervention. Furthermore, the research conducted in this thesis will illustrate that all motivations of the United States to pursue Operation Inherent Resolve seem interest based. Hence, the non-interest based explanation that the social constructivist approach has to offer will be rejected.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen