Introduction

Constructivism’s arrival in IR is often associated with the end of the Cold War, an event that the
traditional theories such as realism and liberalism failed to account for.

A theoretical perspective in international that focuses on the role of ideas, norms and social
interactions in shaping the behavior of states and other actors in international system.

Constructivism challenges the objective and traditional realist and liberalist perspectives the prioritize
material factors such as power, resources and institutions and go beyond the material reality by including
the effects of ideas and beliefs on world politics.

Example (1995) offers an excellent example that illustrates the social construction of reality when he
explains that 500 British nuclear weapons are less threatening to the United States than 5 North
Korean nuclear weapons. These identifications are not caused by the nuclear weapons (the material
structure) but rather by the meaning given to the material structure (the ideational structure).

The term “Constructivism” coined by Nichlos Greenwood Onuf in 1989 in his book World of Our Making:
Rules and Rule in Social Theory and International Relations to describe that the social world is of our
making. Actors (usually powerful ones, like leaders and influential citizens) continually shape – and
sometimes reshape – the very nature of international relations through their actions and interactions.

Alexander Wendt is the best-known advocate of “social constructivism” in the field of international
relations and Wendt’s (1992) article “Anarchy is what state make of it” defines the social construction of
power politics, and his 1999 book, Social Theory of International Politics which popularized
Constructivism in IR.

Wendt's version of Constructivism, a state-centric and structural one, helped it to find a place among the
mainstream theories of International Relations.

Key concepts of constructivism

1. Social Construction of Reality:

Constructivists argue that reality is not an objective and fixed entity, but rather socially constructed
through shared understandings, meanings, and norms.

They emphasize that actors' beliefs, identities, and perceptions shape their behavior and interactions in
international politics. These shared understandings can change over time and influence how actors
interpret and respond to events.

2. Norms and institutions

Constructivists emphasize the importance of norms and institutions in shaping state behavior. Norms are
shared expectations and standards of behavior that guide the actions of states. Institutions provide a
framework for actors to interact and reinforce certain norms.

They can vary across different issue areas, such as human rights or nuclear non-proliferation.
Constructivists argue that norms play a crucial role in shaping state interests, shaping state identities,
and influencing state behavior.
3. Social Interactions:

Constructivists highlights the importance of social interactions and communication among actors in
shaping their behavior and creating shared understandings.

Diplomacy, negotiations, and international organizations are seen as arenas where actors engage in
dialogue and construct meanings. These interactions shape actors' identities, interests, and the norms
that guide their behavior

4. Agency and Structure:

Agency and structure are interdependent. agency refers to the ability of individuals and groups to make
choices and act on them, while structure refers to the broader social and institutional frameworks that
shape behavior.

Constructivism recognizes the agency of actors in shaping international outcomes, but also
acknowledges the influence of broader social structures. Actors are not passive recipients of existing
structures and norms; they can actively challenge and reshape them through their actions and
interactions. (world bank = state influence towards global trade policy)

states have agency to choose their foreign policy, but this agency is limited and shaped by broader
structures such as international norms, institutions, and power relations.

5. Identity and Interests:

Constructivists emphasize the significance of identity in shaping state behavior. Constructivism suggests
that state identities are not fixed but are socially constructed and states' self-perceptions, values, and
identities influence their interests and actions in the international arena. Identity can be shaped by
historical experiences, cultural values, and interactions with other states. Constructivists argue that
changes in identity can lead to shifts in state behavior and policy choices.

and malleable. Japan's transformation from a militaristic power to a pacifist nation (believes that war
and violence are unjustifiable) after World War II exemplifies how state identity can impact foreign policy
choices

6. Non-Zero-Sum Nature of Interactions:

Unlike some realist perspectives that view international relations as a zero-sum game, where one state's
gain is another's loss, constructivism suggests that interactions can be non-zero-sum. States can
cooperate and mutually benefit through shared norms and understandings.

criticism
Neglect of Material Factors:

Constructivism has been criticized for downplaying the significance of material factors, such as military
capabilities and economic resources, in shaping international relations. Critics argue that these factors
remain crucial determinants of state behavior.
Inability to Explain Conflict:

Some critics argue that constructivism struggles inable to provide a comprehensive explanation for
conflict and power struggles in international relations, as it tends to focus more on cooperation and
shared norms.