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What is the Constructivist view of the international political economy (IPE)?
Constructivism sees IPE as shaped not just by material power, but by ideas, beliefs, norms, identities, and discourse. Actors’ interests and behaviors are socially constructed through interactions and shared understandings.
What role do norms play in Constructivist theory?
Norms guide appropriate behavior by shaping actors’ perceptions of what is right, acceptable, or expected in global politics. They influence how problems are defined and how policies are made.
Who are the three main norm-spreading actors in Constructivist IPE?
Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANs)
Epistemic Communities
International Organizations (IOs)
What are Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANs)?
TANs are networks of activists (NGOs, media, social movements, etc.) who share values and collaborate across borders to promote new norms and influence states and international actors. They are “norm entrepreneurs” that challenge existing norms and push for new standards of behavior in the global arena.
What mechanisms do TANs use to spread norms?
Information Politics – Sharing credible, timely information to influence opinions (e.g., climate impact reports)
Symbolic Politics – Using symbols and narratives (e.g., polar bears as icons of climate change)
Leverage Politics – Calling on powerful actors to influence weaker ones
Accountability Politics – Holding states accountable to promises (e.g., climate targets)
Naming and Shaming – Publicly exposing norm violations to cause reputational damage
How have TANs influenced norms around climate change and energy security?
Climate Action Network (CAN) links hundreds of NGOs to push for stronger climate treaties
DivestInvest campaigns pressured universities, banks, and governments to divest from fossil fuels
Greenpeace International uses direct action and media campaigns to push for renewable energy norms
Sunrise Movement (US) pushed for the Green New Deal, reshaping political discourse on climate justice
TANs translate scientific knowledge into public activism, increasing pressure on states to adopt environmental norms.
What is the fossil fuel divestment movement an example of?
A TAN-driven campaign that promotes the norm of environmental stewardship and sustainable investment by pressuring institutions to stop funding fossil fuel companies.
What are Epistemic Communities?
Global networks of experts and professionals, especially scientists, who share knowledge, methods, and policy goals. Influence how policymakers understand issues
Shape state interests by defining problems, causes, and solutions
Influence how policymakers understand issues
How do Epistemic Communities spread norms?
Provide authoritative, peer-reviewed knowledge to governments and IOs
Offer technical advice and policy roadmaps
Influence treaty design and negotiation agendas
What role has the IPCC played as an Epistemic Community?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the most prominent epistemic community on climate
Produces Assessment Reports summarizing peer-reviewed climate science
Informs agreements like the Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
What are International Organizations (IOs)?
IOs are formal institutions created by states to facilitate cooperation, coordinate policy, and promote shared norms. From a Constructivist view, they are normative actors that shape state behavior by:
Socializing states into global norms
Defining appropriate behavior
Legitimizing and institutionalizing norms
Encouraging peer pressure and naming/shaming within treaty frameworks
How do IOs promote climate-related norms and energy security?
UNFCCC(United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.): Provides the main negotiation forum for climate treaties; embeds norms of collective responsibility, equity, and sustainability
UNEP(United Nations Environment Programme): Supports environmental governance; promotes green economy principles
WMO ( World Meteorological Organization): Monitors climate data, enabling evidence-based policy
IOs facilitate global commitments like:
Paris Agreement (norm of limiting warming to 1.5°C)
Kyoto Protocol (legally binding emission targets)
SDGs (climate action, affordable clean energy)
How do IOs influence national policies through norm diffusion?
Set benchmarks and standards for emissions and energy goals
Provide technical assistance and capacity building
Conduct compliance monitoring and peer reviews
Label states as cooperative or non-cooperative, affecting their international image and legitimacy
Serve as platforms for reputation-building and soft enforcement
How do TANs, Epistemic Communities, and IOs complement each other in spreading climate norms?
TANs generate public pressure and advocacy
Epistemic Communities supply the scientific and technical foundation
IOs formalize and institutionalize norms through treaties and governance mechanisms
Together, they shift climate change from being a technical issue to a moral and political obligation for states.
Why are non-state actors crucial in Constructivist IPE?
Because they help construct meaning, diffuse norms, and reshape state preferences—not just reflect power politics or material interests.
How do TANs, Epistemic Communities, and IOs interact in norm diffusion?
TANs mobilize public and moral pressure
Epistemic Communities provide credible knowledge
IOs institutionalize norms and facilitate compliance
Together, they construct shared understandings that influence state and global policy on climate change and energy security.