Realism, Constructivism, and Democracy in theHistory

Thucydides has long been claimed as a key figure in the history of realist accounts of international relations. More recently, some have located elements of constructivism in the History. This chapter reconsiders Thucydides’ supposed realism and constructivism. Particular attention is paid to the way in which Thucydides’ approach to relations between cities intertwines with his account of politics within the democratic city. Drawing on Nietzsche's reading of the History, it is argued that Thucydides understands both intercity and domestic politics in terms of a kind of realist constructivism or constructivist realism – or, alternatively, that his political thought moves beyond or outside such constricting paradigms.