Constructivism

What is constructivism?

• Ideas matter as much as power

• Interests are socially constructed

• identity shapes behavior

👉 reality is not fixed

How to use:

• “Constructivism emphasizes how norms and identities shape state behavior.”

What are norms?

• Shared expectations of behavior

• Define what is acceptable

👉 example:

• nuclear taboo

How to use:

• “Norms influence state behavior by shaping what is considered legitimate.”

Limitation:

• can be ignored

what is an example of norms?

1. Nuclear taboo

What happened:
No nuclear weapons used since 1945

Why it proves norms:

• not just fear → moral/legitimacy issue

How to say it:

• “The nuclear taboo illustrates how norms shape state behavior beyond material considerations.”

2. Human rights norms

What happens:
States face pressure for violations

Why it proves norms:

• global expectations influence behavior

How to say it:

• “Human rights norms demonstrate how shared expectations can constrain state actions.”

What is socialization?

• states learn norms through interaction

• behavior changes over time

👉 explains:

• cooperation

• system change

what are the cultures of anarchy?

• Hobbesian → enemies

• Lockean → rivals

• Kantian → friends

👉 behavior depends on relationships

Why does identity matter?

• how states see themselves

• shapes interests + behavior

👉 example:

• allies vs enemies

what is an example of identity?

1. US–Canada

Why it matters:

• similar identity → cooperation

How to say it:

• “Shared identity between the US and Canada facilitates cooperation.”

2. US–Iran

Why it matters:

• opposing identity → conflict

How to say it:

• “Hostile identities contribute to ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.”

How does constructivism explain change?

• change in ideas/norms

• not just power

👉 example:

• end of Cold War

what is a social fact?

• brute fact → physical (e.g. weapon)

• social fact → meaning (e.g. threat)

👉 meaning is constructed

what is intersubjectivity?

• shared understanding between actors

👉 shapes:

• norms

• identity

  • behavior

why does legitimacy matter?

• actions seen as acceptable → more compliance

  • illegitimate actions → resistance

how do norms spread?

• emergence

• cascade

• internalization

👉 explains global change