Study Notes on Constructivism in International Relations Theory by Sarina Theys

Author: Sarina Theys
Published on: February 23, 2018, by E-International Relations.
Associated text excerpt from International Relations Theory – an E-IR Foundations beginner’s textbook.

Context: Constructivism's recognition in International Relations (IR) aligns with the end of the Cold War.
Critique of Traditional Theories:
- Traditional theories like realism and liberalism struggled to explain the Cold War's conclusion.
- Key tenets of realism and liberalism involved a focus on states as self-interested actors and a belief in a fixed balance of power driven by material interests.
- These theories largely ignored individual agency, which played a crucial role in the events leading to the Cold War's end.

Constructivism posits that the social world, including international relations, is socially constructed.
Ontology and Epistemology:
- Ontology: The nature of reality concerning constructs formed by social relations.
- Epistemology: The nature of knowledge as shaped by these social constructs.
Example by Alexander Wendt (1995):
- Illustration: 500 British nuclear weapons are perceived as less threatening than 5 North Korean ones due to the differing meanings assigned to them by the respective states.
- The difference arises not from the weapons themselves (material structure) but from the ideational context influencing perceptions (ideational structure).
Intersubjectivity:
- The shared understanding between states creates the basis for their interactions.
- Reality, therefore, is shaped by ideas and beliefs and is subject to change over time.
Mutual Constitution of Agency and Structure:
- Agency: The capacity of actors (e.g., states, leaders) to act and influence.
- Structure: The overarching international system consisting of both material and ideational elements.
- Agencies can change or reinforce social relationships based on shared beliefs.
Contrasting View to Realism:
- Realists view the anarchic structure of international relations as determinant of state behavior, while constructivists argue, "anarchy is what states make of it" (Wendt 1992).

Constructivism emphasizes the social construction of identities affecting state interests and actions.
State Identities:
- States can embody multiple identities, shaped through interaction with other actors.
- Example: A small state's identity leads to survival-focused interests; a large state may center on global dominance.
- Actions must be in line with maintained identities; deviation could undermine identity validity.
- Case Study - Germany: After WWII, Germany's identity shifted from militarism to pacifism.

Definition of Social Norms:
- Norms are standards of appropriate behavior for actors with specified identities (Katzenstein 1996, 5).
Norms dictate expected behaviors based on identities leading to a logic of appropriateness, where actors conform to behaviors perceived as acceptable (March and Olsen 1998).
Types of Norms:
- Regulative Norms: Dictate and constrain behaviors.
- Constitutive Norms: Create new actors or categories of action.
- Prescriptive Norms: Advise behaviors that are seen positively by promoters.
Lifecycle of Norms:
- A norm is only established when a critical mass accepts and internalizes it. For instance, climate change policies exemplify a norm developed by state cooperation.

Conventional Constructivists:
- Focus on causal explanations (e.g., what causes an actor to act?) and predict behaviors based on identities.
Critical Constructivists:
- Investigate the formation and reconstruction of identities (e.g., how do actors develop identities?) and emphasize the role of communication.
Most constructivists do not fall entirely in either category but navigate between these perspectives.

Overview of Bhutan:
- Demographics: Approximately 745,000 population, 38,394 square km territory, weak economy, very small military.
- Geostrategically situated between China and India.
Realist Perspective on Bhutan:
- Bhutan's position is unfavorable under realism due to geographic limitations and inability to compete for power.
Constructivist Perspective on Bhutan:
- Cultural and social constructs influence Bhutan's pursuit of national interests beyond material constraints.
- Example: Bhutan perceived China as a threat post-Tibet annexation, while India is viewed as a friend due to shared interests.
National Identity Construction:
- Bhutan’s identity is framed as the 'last surviving Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom.' The identity underscores the preservation of national sovereignty.
- Bhutanisation Process: Initiated in the 1980s, the 'One Nation, One People’ policy (Driglam Namzhag) reinforced unity through cultural regulations and practices.
Consequence of Norms in Bhutan:
- The policy enforced a common national dress and language (Dzongkha), creating a unified national ethos while revealing ethnic tensions, notably expelled Lhotshampas.

Norm Emergence: Creation of the Driglam Namzhag exemplifies norm emergence.
Norm Acceptance: Citizens acknowledging and adopting cultural norms.
Norm Internalization: Expected practices manifest as regulated behavior.
Continued Regulation: Citizens must wear national dress in formal contexts; behaviors comply with norms associated with Bhutan’s identity.

Constructivism elucidates that actions and perceptions form the fabric of international relations, countering mainstream theories like realism.
It highlights that not just material factors but ideas, identities, and norms shape state behavior.
Recognizes that reality is malleable, open to reinterpretation and change based on social dynamics.
Implications for International Relations: Provides framework for understanding events and relationships often overlooked by conventional theories.