Neorealism and contructivism in understanding Russian foreign policy in the Syrian conflict

Abstract

This research study aims to contribute to the understanding of Russian foreign policy through the application of International Relations (IR) theories, mainly through a combination of neorealism and constructivism in relation to Russia’s intervention in the Syrian conflict. A missing gap within the body of literature is the dismissal or undermining of geopolitical and civilizational factors when analyzing Russia’s interests in Syrian conflict, with regards to application of neorealism and constructivism. This study will review the gathered literature and conduct an empirical analysis of interviews, speeches and statements made by Russian president Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov between the period of Russia’s intervention on the 30th of September 2015 until the declaration of withdrawal of the majority of Russian forces on the 14th March 2016. In addition, to publications made by the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Kremlin thereafter. This study has found that the two IR theories (i.e. neorealism and constructivism) rather than conflicting with one another, help to provide an answer wherein; they are both mutually reinforcing with regards to the Syrian case.