Theoretical Perspectives on the Role of Identity in International Politics

In the scientific research performed during the past two decades، relatively less attention has been paid to the role of cultural factors (compared to material ones) in the international political process. Identity، especially collective identity، is one of these cultural factors which have a considerable role in the definition of national interest and formation of states'' foreign policies. This paper''s goal is to present an analysis of the concept of identity and its role in the international political process from various existing theoretical perspectives.