Art of World-Making

On its face, The Art of World-Making focuses on honouring the career of Nicholas Greenwood Onuf and his contributions to the study of international relations; of equal importance, however, while using Onuf’s work as their touchstone, the contributions to this volume range widely across IR theory, making important interventions in some of the most important topics in the field today.The volume considers the place of Constructivism and Republicanism in the field of international relations, and the contestation that accompanies the question of their place in the field, asking:• What explains the dominance of some forms of Constructivism and the relative lack of influence of other forms?• What can rule-oriented Constructivism, the focus here, provide our field that other forms of Constructivism have been unable to?• Into what new and productive directions can Constructivism be taken?• What are its gaps and what are the resources to remedy those gaps?• What can Republicanism tell us about ongoing issues in international law, global governance, liberalism, and crisis?Drawing together essays from some of the leading scholars in the field, space is given after each chapter for a detailed and highly personal response piece to each contribution, written by Onuf. This unique volume will be essential reading for students and scholars of international relations.

'A wonderfully engaging and illuminating appreciation of the groundbreaking scholarship of Nicholas Onuf taking the unusual form of a stimulating series of interactive essays of appreciative analysis and response. Valuable as an authoritative account of Constructivism as political thought and practice, heightened by Onuf’s high quality participation, part intellectual autobiography, part conceptual.' - Richard A. Falk, Albert G. Milbank Professor of International Law Emeritus, Princeton University, USA'A rare gem indeed! Departing from the usual format works marvelously when a scholar of Onuf’s integrity and intellectual depth responds to each entry. We have not only a collection of stimulating essays appraising and engaging Onuf’s constructivism, but also the ‘jewel’ of vintage Onuf: incisive and illuminating commentaries of an erudite scholar and skilled word craftsman, laced with personal reflections and life-time insights of a thoroughly engaged teacher, mentor and colleague. This rare opportunity to view IR’s intellectual landscape through Onuf’s keen observations and astute interpretations is not to be missed.' - V. Spike Peterson, Professor of International Relations, University of Arizona, USA'In a period of rethinking what constructivism is and does, this wonderful and thought-provoking volume provides careful reflection on the pivotal work of Nick Onuf, renowned as one of the founders of constructivism in International Relations. While rich in social theory, the texts are simultaneously often intimate and personal, providing almost a dialogue-in-print between the contributors and Onuf. The contributors also skillfully weave in commentary on the sociology of constructivism as practiced in IR during the past twenty-five years. The result is an accessible yet theoretically sophisticated volume which encourages a return to and re-engagement with Onuf’s work as constructivism develops as a perspective. In short, a truly joyous and stimulating read.' - Ann Towns, Associate Professor of Political Science and Wallenberg Academy Fellow, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Harry D Gould is Associate Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, Florida International University, USA.