Synthesis Method in Theories of International Relations: European Union Eastern Enlargement and Turkey

It is widely accepted in International Relations that explanatory theories are based on positivist assumptions. Contrarily, Social Constructivist approaches propose that no theory can carry the nomothetic deductive criteria required by Positivist epistemology. Schimmelfennig ve Checkel argue that in order to test more observable factors, the researcher needs to use a synthesis of different theories with different epistemologies. Compared to Rational Choice Institutionalism and Social Constructivism, Schimmelfennig’s Rhetorical Action Theory provides us with the most thorough explanation of the European Union Eastern enlargement process, having the potential of shedding a light on accession process of Turkey to the European Union.