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Rationality in Foreign Policy

Sohail, Danial LU (2025) STVM25 20251
Department of Political Science
Abstract
With rising powers on the global scene, foreign policy decisions are shaped by multiple theories of rationality. Culture and national identity are increasingly essential in actors’ decisions and play a significant role in foreign policy. This paper examines foreign policy rationality through the lenses of realism and constructivism, applying Mearsheimer and Rosato’s process-oriented definition of realist rationality alongside constructivist approaches to identity rationality. Through most-different design in comparative case studies and a process-oriented approach, the paper analyses two cases: the UK's decision to leave the European Union (Brexit) and the UAE's participation in the Abrahamic Accords. By examining the rhetoric of political... (More)
With rising powers on the global scene, foreign policy decisions are shaped by multiple theories of rationality. Culture and national identity are increasingly essential in actors’ decisions and play a significant role in foreign policy. This paper examines foreign policy rationality through the lenses of realism and constructivism, applying Mearsheimer and Rosato’s process-oriented definition of realist rationality alongside constructivist approaches to identity rationality. Through most-different design in comparative case studies and a process-oriented approach, the paper analyses two cases: the UK's decision to leave the European Union (Brexit) and the UAE's participation in the Abrahamic Accords. By examining the rhetoric of political actors in both countries, the study explores how national identity and culture are positioned against security and economy in each case global positioning. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that rationality is rarely singular. Realism and constructivism often overlap, with identity shaping what is commonly considered rational. This intertwining of rationalities reflects a broader shift in international relations, where actors increasingly reflect on who they are to legitimise foreign policy decisions. The study highlights the need to combine theoretical approaches to better understand how rationalities shape decision-making in a changing global order. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Sohail, Danial LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVM25 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Rationality, Realism, Constructivism, Brexit, Abrahamic Accords
language
English
id
9189843
date added to LUP
2025-08-08 11:32:32
date last changed
2025-08-08 11:32:32
@misc{9189843,
  abstract     = {{With rising powers on the global scene, foreign policy decisions are shaped by multiple theories of rationality. Culture and national identity are increasingly essential in actors’ decisions and play a significant role in foreign policy. This paper examines foreign policy rationality through the lenses of realism and constructivism, applying Mearsheimer and Rosato’s process-oriented definition of realist rationality alongside constructivist approaches to identity rationality. Through most-different design in comparative case studies and a process-oriented approach, the paper analyses two cases: the UK's decision to leave the European Union (Brexit) and the UAE's participation in the Abrahamic Accords. By examining the rhetoric of political actors in both countries, the study explores how national identity and culture are positioned against security and economy in each case global positioning. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that rationality is rarely singular. Realism and constructivism often overlap, with identity shaping what is commonly considered rational. This intertwining of rationalities reflects a broader shift in international relations, where actors increasingly reflect on who they are to legitimise foreign policy decisions. The study highlights the need to combine theoretical approaches to better understand how rationalities shape decision-making in a changing global order.}},
  author       = {{Sohail, Danial}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Rationality in Foreign Policy}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}