CONSTRUCTIVISM__1_

CONSTRUCTIVISM

Dr. Ramzi

Theories in International Relations, IIUM

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understanding Constructivism

• Comparing with Other Theories

• The Main Issues with the Theory

WHAT IS CONSTRUCTIVISM?

A theory in international relations emphasizing:

• The role of ideas, norms, and identity in shaping interactions.

• Emerged as an alternative to dominant theories like realism and liberalism in the 20th century.

• According to constructivism:

  • International relations cannot solely be credited to rational actions or material interests.

  • Shared ideas, norms, and identities of states and actors shape behavior and interactions.

  • These concepts are constructed through social interactions and evolve over time.

CONSTRUCTIVISM AND STATE

• State interaction is viewed as a pattern shaped by identities over time.

• Social constructivism explores:

  • Normative influence of institutional structures. The role of shared beliefs and collective understandings in shaping state behavior.

  • Connection between normative changes and state identity/interests (Griffiths, 2008). The impact of socialization processes on international relations, emphasizing how states internalize norms and values through interactions with one another. Additionally, social constructivism highlights the significance of historical contexts and social practices in the formation of state identities, illustrating how these elements evolve through ongoing interactions and discourse.

NATIONAL INTEREST

States possess a corporate identity that drives fundamental goals, including:

• 🚀 Physical security

• 🏰 Stability

• 🌍 Recognition by others

• 💵 Economic development

• Fulfillment of these goals is influenced by how states perceive their identities relative to others in the international society. meaning that the interactions and relationships between states are shaped by their self-perceptions and the recognition they receive from other nations, which can ultimately impact their stability and economic progress.

• Identities shape the national interests constructed by states (Griffiths, 2008). the national interest based on these identities can lead to differing approaches in foreign policy, as states may prioritize their goals based on how they wish to be perceived by the international community.

CASE STUDY

The Cold War:

• The US and Soviet Union defined each other as enemies, shaping antagonistic national interests.

• The Cold War ended when these rival identities dissolved.

INSTITUTIONS

• Institutions are dynamic and are continually shaped by the actions of states and other actors. dynamic means that institutions evolve over time, influenced by political, social, and economic factors, as well as the interactions and behaviors of various stakeholders.

• Institutions and actors interact in a mutually constitutive manner. when state change , institutions also adapt to reflect new realities and power dynamics, leading to a transformation in governance and policy approaches.

ANARCHY UNDERSTANDING

• Constructivists accept that anarchy is a fundamental aspect of the international system but assert it is context-dependent.

• Different interpretations of anarchy are possible, such as:

  • “Anarchy of friends”

  • “Anarchy of enemies.”

• The diversity of social structures under anarchy is significant. its means the situation of individuals or groups existing without a central authority, where relationships can vary greatly depending on the nature of those involved. This leads to the emergence of unique social dynamics, where cooperation or conflict can shape interactions and outcomes. so the anarchy that exist like not exist in a vacuum, but rather is influenced by the interactions and relationships formed among individuals and groups.

THE CHRONOLOGY

Early Foundations:

• George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer (1920s-1930s):

  • Introduced symbolic interactionism emphasizing language and social interactions.

Development in the 1980s-1990s:

• Scholars like Alexander Wendt, Nicholas Onuf, and Martha Finnemore advanced constructivist ideas applied to international relations.

• Constructivism has since gained prominence in political science and sociology.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO CONSTRUCTIVISM

• End of the Cold War

• Recognition of Non-state Actors

• Increasing Importance of Culture and Identity

• Challenges to Traditional Theories

THINKERS OF CONSTRUCTIVISM

• Alexander Wendt: Foundational figure, focuses on ideas/norms. Noted for “Anarchy is what states make of it.”

• Nicholas Onuf: Early proponent, emphasized ideas/norms in international relations.

• Martha Finnemore: Focused on international organizations’ roles in shaping norms.

• Peter J. Katzenstein: Examined culture/identity in shaping international relations.

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTIVISM

• Liberal Constructivism: Focus on international institutions promoting cooperation or democracy and the belief that these institutions can influence state behavior and foster a more interconnected world.

• Neoclassical Constructivism: Merges constructivist and traditional theories, recognizes material interests.

• Critical Constructivism: Emphasizes power dynamics in international relations.

• Poststructural Constructivism: Highlights language/discourse in shaping identities/interests.

CRITICISMS TO CONSTRUCTIVISM

• Lack of Empirical Support: Difficulties in testing and abstract claims.

• Lack of Predictive Power: Criticized for weak ability to predict international relations.

• Neglect of Material Interests: Seen as naive for focusing predominantly on ideas.

• Lack of Attention to Agency: Overemphasis on structures diminishes individual agency.

CONSTRUCTIVISM VS THEORIES