| This thesis presents three different models which can be used to analyze foreign policy decision making. These models are inspired by a spectrum of international relations theory, in particular realism, constructivism, and liberalism. In particular, this thesis applies each model to the Russo-Georgian War of 2008, in order to assess how well they explain different aspects of the conflict. In Chapter 2, I lay out the models in detail, and consider how the respective theoretical traditions inspire their makeup. I then apply each model to the 2008 war and consider several questions which allow an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of using each model to view the conflict. Finally, in Chapter 4, I consider the future implications for Russian foreign policy inherent in each model. |
