To outline the key themes of constructivist theory one must look at what assumptions that the theory is based upon. As Alexander Wendt states, ‘One of the main assumptions of a constructivist approach is that identities, norms, and culture play important roles in world politics. Identities and interests of states are not simply structurally determined, but are rather produced by interactions, institutions, norms, cultures. It is process, not structure, which determines the manner in which states interact’ (Wendt 1992: 46/2). By stating constructivism is an approach rather than a theory moves constructivism away from the idea of a set of consistent related hypotheses that together form a unified theory, which is often found with neo-realist and neo-liberal theories. Instead it is based upon a foundation of assumptions which in turn allow more specific hypothesis and arguments to be devised.
Thus although many see constructivism as an extension to critical theory, constructivism supports the idea of being an approach by the fact that it has emphasis on empirical/physical analysis. As Christian Reus-Smit states, most constructivists ‘have sought conceptual and theoretical illumination through the systematic analysis of empirical puzzles in world politics.’(Smit 2005: 195). This therefore is the basis from which the key themes of constructivism if formed.
Constructivists believe that the social and political attitudes of actors whether states or individuals can be manipulated to some extent by structures. Constructivists maintain that ‘normative or ideational’ (Smit 2005:196) structures are just as important as the materialistic structures. This means instead of seeing military capabilities as a main factor as neo-realist believe, constructivists argue that an arrangement of mutual ideas, attitudes, and values are structural qualities that are needed to influence social and political action. This is helpful as it allows the understanding that ‘ideas about identity, the logics of ideology and established structures of friendship’(Steans 2005: 185) can help us understand the various diplomatic stances that are held between states and why the importance of normative structures helps shape social identities of actors. Thus illustrates why some states are allies and why some are enemies.
Another key theme in constructivism is the emphasis on the role of norms in state behaviour. Norms in foreign policy, for instance, ‘is not only a matter of national interest, but also of acceptable behaviour in the international society.’ (Smit 2005:197). For this reason norms shape what actors consider necessary and possible, in both practical and moral terms. Although realists declare that state action is really motivated by crude desire of power constructivist argue the fact that these states have to justify there actions proves that institutionalised norms have to exist.
Apart from norms, social constructivists emphasise the role of institutions. Institutional ideas are often made formal by written examples which are based on agreed principles and rules. However in international relations informal institutions exist in the form of stable patterns of practice. This is illustrated by Michel Barnet who explains, ‘what makes an Arab state an Arab state is not the fact that the populations speak Arabic but rather that there are rules associated with Arab intuitionalism that shape the Arab states identity, interests, and foreign policies that are deemed legitimate and illegitimate.’(Barnett 2005: 259).
By re-introducing the social identities of actors through their value and practices, constructivism has enabled a better understanding of international relations. This is due to the fact that constructive societal analysis has created renewed interest in international history. This helps for a better understanding of international relations, as it forces pupils of the discipline to re-read historical records that were in the past seen as a ‘given’. No longer can theorists who believe states pursue a position of self interest ignore the social history of states and continue to believe countries had unchanging attitudes towards international relations. Thus ‘licensing the formation of increasingly abstract theories.’ (Smit 2005: 206).
Through sustained empirical research, constructivists have shown how international norms evolve and how the ideas and values of individuals come to shape political actions. All of these ideas are in contrast to the beliefs of materialist and rationalist theorist. Constructivism helps for a better understanding of international relations as it is an approach that examines state behavior in the context of state characteristics. All states are unique and have a set of defining political, cultural, economic, social, or religious characteristics that influence its foreign policy. States have identities and those identities define their behavior in the international system.
Constructivism emphasis on identities in relation to state cooperation additionally goes against neo-neo international theory which assumes ‘cooperation takes place between egoists under conditions of anarchy. The identities of the actors in question is a matter of no significance and norms promoting cooperation will have no purchase on what is essentially a process of ends-means calculations.’(Brown 2005: 50). Although constructivist agree that anarchy does exist it still supports the idea that even though there is no one world government within the anarchical framework, norms are still present and do fundamentally shape state actions.
Constructivism principle ideology that countries not only form just a system of states but also form a society based on norms and identities, has allowed for a new level of theoretical debate. Constructivists’ attitude towards international relations as an approach not only allows for a better awareness, as it places emphasis on the ‘understanding’ behind state actions, but also helps to form a bridge between rationalist and post-modern theories and give a insight into what those theories chose to overlook.
Bibliography :
Book: Jill Steans (2005) Introduction to international relations, Perspectives and Themes, 2nd edition (England: Person education ltd).
Book: Christian Reus-Smit (2005) Theories of International Relations, 3rd edition (England: Palgrave Macmillian).
Book: Michael Barnett (2005) The Globalization of World Politics, third edition
(United States: Oxford University Press).
Book: Chris Brown (2005) Understanding International Relations, 3rd edition (England: Palgrave Macmillian).
Journal article: Alexander Wendt, 'Anarchy is What States Make of It', International Organisation, 46/2, 1992
