Pol 240: Contstructivism and Marxism

What is constructivism in international relations?

Constructivism emphasizes the social construction of international reality. It focuses on how ideas, norms, identities, and rules shape the behaviour of state and non-state actors. It argues that human consciousness and shared beliefs construct international relations, not just material forces

When did constructivism rise to prominence in IR?

Constructivism rose in the 1990s, drawing from sociology and critical theory. It gained attention after the Cold War when existing IR theories failed to explain rapid political changes

What does constructivism critique about mainstream IR theories?

it critiques realism and liberalism for ignoring the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping international behaviour. Realists focus on power and interests; liberals see institutions as constrains; constructivists argue ideas and institutions actually constitute actors themselves

Who is Alexander went and what is his contribution to constructivism?

Alexander Wendt is a leading constructivist scholar who argued that “anarchy is what states make of it". He proposed that the international system is socially constructed by state interactions and shared meanings, not determined by material forces. 

What are the core components of constructivism?

1. idealism - ideas and meanings matter in shaping political reality; 2. holism - social structures and agents mutually constitute and transform each other; 3. power of norms and identity - actors’ interests are shaped through social interaction, not given a priority

How does constructivism vies ideas, norms, and identity

these are socially constructed though interaction and cultural context. They appear objective but vary among groups and evolve over time. Interests and actions depend on these social constructs.

What does social construction mean in constructivism?

it means what we consider reality in IR-like sovereignty, security, or power - is created through ideas, discourse and practice rather than purely material conditions

What role does power play in constructivism?

Power lies in the ability to shape dominant ideas, norms, and rules. Legitimacy - the acceptance of norms as right or natural is also a crucial form of power. I.e propaganda and the media would play a huge role

How did the Cold War ending influence constructivism?

The end of the Cold War revealed that ideas and perceptions - not only material power - can transform international relations. Constructivism gained traction as mainstream theories failed to predict this change.

What is marxism in international relations

Marxism analyzes the global system as capitalist, where class relations and economic exploitation shape politics. It emphasizes materialism, historical change, and emancipation from capitalist structures.

What is the central claim of Marxist IR theory?

The world order is based on capitalism - a system driven by profit and exploitation of labour. Class and economic inequality are the primary drivers of global relations, conflict, and cooperation

What is meant by ‘historical materialism’ in marxism?

It is the view that material (economic) forces drive historical change. Society develops through states: feudalism - capitalism - communism, each defined by its mode of production.

How does marxism define capitalism?

capitalism is a system of surplus extraction from labour. It concentrates wealth at one pole and misery at the other (Marx). It depends on class exploitation and continues global expansion

Why is capitalism seen as global in marxism?

capitalism must expand to survive, leading to global networks of dependency and inequality. Marxists view the world economy as a single system divided between a wealth ‘core’ and exploited ‘periphery”

What is the Marxist goal of emancipation?

Emancipation means overthrowing the capitalist system and replacing it with a communist society that eliminates class divisions and exploitation

What are the main ‘streams’ or variations of marxism in IR"?

1. World systems theory (wallerstein) - divides the world into core and periphery zones

2. neo-gramscian marxism - focuses on hegemony and the role of civicl society in maintaining capitalist order

3. classical marxism - emphasizes material production and class struggle

What is hegemony according to marxist thought

hegemony is dominance through both coercion (force) and consent (cultural and ideological acceptance). ruling classes shape values and belief through civil society (media, education, religion)

How do marxists view power in the international system?

power is not limited to military strength - it includes material capabilities, ideas, and institutions that sustain capitalist inequality.

What are “core” and “periphery” states in marxist theory?

Core states control capital and production; periphery states supply labour and raw materials. The division perpetuates inequality and dependence in the global economy

What does marxism say about inequality within states?

Marxists highlight “transnational class formations” - elite groups within both rich and poor countries that share capitalist interests, widening class inequality across borders. 

How does marxism critique realism and liberalism?

marxists argue that mainstream theories ignore the global capitalism system. they mistakenly treat states as autonomous actors while ignoring class dynamics and economic structures

What do marxists mean by the “production process” critique?

Mainstream IR ignores how economic production under capitalism generates power. Marxists see production as the foundation of political and social structures, influencing state behaviour and policy.

What is the Marxist view of international cooperation?

Cooperation under capitalism is not genuine - it serves capitalist interests and reproduces global inequalities rather than creating true peace or equality

How does marxism understand global power structures?

power derives from the ability to control material production, ideas, and institutions. Together these reinforce capitalist domination at both global and domestic levels

What is the difference between marxist and constructivist critiques of IR?

Marxism focuses on material and class based power structures; constructivism focuses on ideational power and the social construction of norms and identity. Both challenge realism’s state-centric, materialist assumptions.

What is the key takeaway of constructivism/marxism

both are critical theories challenging mainstream IR. Constructivism highlights ideas/norms/identities in shaping politics; marxism exposes capitalism and class relations as root of global inequality and conflict