Korean Identity, as a Middle Power in IR: International Relations Theory of Identity and its Critique
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Abstract
Since the 1990s, "identity" has become integral to international relations research, exploring subjects' self-definition and sense of belonging, alongside the attributes of collectives like nations and ethnicities. Originally theorized by Erik H. Erikson to describe self-constancy and unity, "identity" expanded in sociology and social psychology to include self-definition and group affiliation. This paper investigates the incorporation of identity into international relations, driven by critiques of the field's narrow scope amid the evolving global landscape since the late 1980s. It clarifies the complex concept of "identity" and its integration into international relations, highlighting oversights in current theories. The study proposes new analytical perspectives to enhance the concept's relevance in international relations, supported by empirical examples.