Constructivism

Emergence of Constructivism

• Emerges as a critical response to various realisms and liberalisms/idealisms following the Cold War.

• Realisms and liberalisms/idealisms predicted a catastrophic end to the Cold War or a continuation indefinitely.

• Constructivism borrows from existing status quo ideas and schools of thought.

• Consequences of the emergence of Constructivism:

  • Not as revolutionary: Compared to other more critical schools of thought.

  • Popularity in mainstream IR: Constructivism's approach enables it to gain acceptance.

• Realisms and liberalisms/idealisms do not interrogate the identity and socialization of ideas.

General Elements of Constructivism

(1) Social Constructions

• Realism: Believes states have fixed interests that often conflict with those of other states.

• Idealism: Proposes that certain values are universal and shape state interests.

• Constructivist Responses:

  • Interests and values do not emerge in a vacuum; they are socially constructed.

  • Social constructions significantly shape identity, interest, and values.

  • Values, interests, and identities are fluid rather than static.

  • Power and values remain significant in shaping state behavior.

(2) Social Facts

• Brute Facts vs. Social Facts:

  • Brute facts: Examples include the existence of rocks.

  • Social facts: Defined by society, influenced by historical and contemporary events.

• Historical and contemporary events or values are interpreted differently, leading to varying “realities” and identities.

• Constructivists argue that social facts deserve as much importance as brute facts.

• They aim to understand how social facts emerge and how they lead to shared practices and collective definitions.

(3) Anarchy

• Conventional schools like Realisms and liberalisms/idealisms make certain assumptions:

  • States operate in anarchic conditions.

  • States are self-interested.

• Constructivist Argument:

  • The particular manifestation of anarchy emerges from social relations and is subject to change.

  • If hostility characterizes the existing anarchy, it is a consequence of historical and contemporary relations.

Constructivism and Power

• Power is essential; however, it should not be solely defined through material means, such as physical or economic force.

• Constructivism expands the definition of power to include:

  • Ideas: Example: Legitimacy is crucial and entails mitigating material power (connecting to Carr’s proto-realism).

  • Knowledge: Refers to fluid perspectives on what power can entail.

• Different interpretations of power yield alternative actions and consequences, driven by norms.

• Norms are developed through social interactions.

Alexander Wendt - Background

• Alexander Wendt, born in 1958, is a professor of political science at Ohio State University.

• Often referred to as the “founding father” of constructivism.

• He is renowned for his influential article titled "Anarchy is What States Make of It."

Issues with Other Schools of Thought

• Conventional views claim anarchy forces states to pursue self-interest.

• Idealism, classical liberalism, and neoliberalism: Primarily economic considerations.

• Proto-realism, classical realism, and neorealism: Emphasis on power and survival.

• Constructivist Departure:

  • Highlights the importance of identity.

  • Stresses the significance of interest formation.

  • Views anarchy as a changeable institution, disputing the notion that it is an inherent or fixed feature of international relations.

Constructivism and Anarchy

• Conventional schools fail to adequately explain the relationship between anarchy and state behavior.

• States exhibit differing reactions to friends versus enemies, irrespective of anarchy.

• Self-interest and power alone do not provide a complete understanding of state behavior.

• Meaning of Power: Responses to power fluctuate according to established relationships and identities.

  • These are historically determined and reinforced through ongoing engagements.

Different Directions of Constructivism

(1) Sovereignty, Recognition, Security

• The concept of sovereignty is often assumed by conventional schools.

• Constructivist Sovereignty:

  • Socially mediated; resulting in diverse meanings, understandings, and expectations.

  • Historically varies from current interpretations.

  • Relies on mutual recognition and permissions from other states.

  • Shared expectations within an internationally socialized community can generate security despite existing power disparities.

(2) Identity Transformations Promote Cooperation

• Identities are susceptible to change.

• Ongoing engagements and interactions contribute to the evolution of identities.

• Changes in identity can facilitate the development of norms.

• Self-interest has the potential to transition into collective interests.

(3) Self-Reflection and Collective Security

• Insecurity stems from conditions of distrust, heavily influenced by specific identities.

• Changes in identity are achievable via self-reflection.

• Altercasting: The act of unilaterally changing one’s identity.

• Changes to Identity:

  • Remove excuses for hostility.

  • Encourage reciprocation of changes by former enemies.

  • Adjust policy from a competitive to a cooperative system, fostering trust.