Context of Constructivism POLS1201

Norms and identity matter

Constructivism argues that global politics is not only shaped by material power or institutions, but also by social factors—like shared norms, values, and the identities of states and actors.

Ideas shape global order

What states believe, value, and agree on shapes international relations. The world isn’t fixed—it’s built through shared understandings between actors.

Change is possible through norm shifts

Because global norms and ideas can evolve, the international system can change. What is seen as "normal" or "acceptable" today may shift tomorrow.

"Anarchy is what states make of it" (Wendt)

Alexander Wendt argued that anarchy (the lack of a global government) doesn’t automatically mean conflict. It depends on how states interpret it—through cooperation or rivalry.

Norm entrepreneurs

Individuals or groups that promote new norms in global politics (e.g. human rights activists or climate advocates), helping change how the international community thinks or acts.

Intersubjective meaning

The shared understanding between actors about what things mean—like sovereignty, threats, or cooperation. These meanings aren’t objective but created through interaction.

Norms, values, beliefs

Norms are accepted standards of behavior; values are deeply held principles; beliefs are ideas about what is true. Together, they influence how states behave and how global rules form.

End of Cold War: USSR collapse explained by identity/norm change

Constructivists argue the Cold War didn’t end due to military defeat, but because Soviet leaders changed how they saw themselves and the world—shifting from rivalry to reform.

Nuclear taboo: Norm against using nukes

Despite having nuclear weapons, states don’t use them. Constructivists explain this through a strong norm that using nuclear weapons is morally and politically unacceptable.

R2P: Example of new global norm

The Responsibility to Protect shows how the global community now views sovereignty as conditional on human rights protection—a major shift from the past.

Sovereignty: Changed from absolute to conditional

Originally, sovereignty meant total state control. Today, if a state abuses its people, others may intervene. This shows how the norm of sovereignty has evolved.

LGBT/human rights in UN: Evolving norms

Issues like LGBTQ+ rights and broader human rights are now part of global discussions at the UN. This reflects changing norms about what rights should be protected worldwide.