2: Constructivism in IR Flashcards
Give a basic definition for constructivism in IR.
Basic def: is that it is a group of theories which claim that ideas matter and the basic behavioural mode of social actors is rule-following. In other words. rules and norms are internalized, constituting and re-constituting the actors’ identities, which in turn define the appropriate action.
is normative power Europe a constructivist term?
Yes
Give an example in which the EU is seen as a norm driven actor
oideas and identities gain a special position: ENP is seen as a process of socialization
define EU as a normative power:
Europe as a Normative Power (ENP): This concept refers to the idea that the European Union influences international relations not just through military or economic power, but by promoting and exporting its norms, values, and standards. It suggests that the EU’s power lies in its ability to shape the behavior of other states by serving as a normative model. The EU often emphasizes human rights, democracy, and the rule of law as fundamental principles.
How does Manners see the ENP?
as a process of socialization. It involves the transmission and internalization of norms and values by individuals or states. In the case of the ENP, this might involve the EU engaging with its neighbors through various channels such as political dialogue, economic cooperation, and institutional partnerships. Through these interactions, neighboring countries may be exposed to and influenced by European norms related to democracy, human rights, rule of law, and good governance.
Ian Manners and other scholars in this field argue that the EU’s normative power lies in its ability to set an example, provide incentives, and encourage the adoption of its norms through diplomatic engagement and cooperation rather than through traditional power dynamics. Socialization, in this sense, implies a gradual process of influence and learning, where neighboring countries may adopt European norms voluntarily as they become more integrated with the EU.
What is the European Neighbourhood Policy?
The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) governs the EU’s relations with 16 of the EU’s closest Eastern and Southern Neighbours. To the South: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine*, Syria and Tunisia and to the East: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Russia takes part in Cross-Border Cooperation activities under the ENP and is not a part of the ENP as such.
What are the chorse principles under the revised ENP?
Under the revised ENP, stabilisation of the region, in political, economic, and security related terms, is at the heart of the new policy. Moreover, the revised ENP puts a strong emphasis on two principles: a differentiated approach, to respect the different aspirations of our partners and to better answer EU interests and the interests of our partners; and an increased ownership by partner countries and Member States.
What are the main priorities for cooperation under ENP?
In addition to good governance, democracy, rule of law and human rights, three other sets of joint priorities have been identified, each of them covering a wide number of cooperation sectors: 1) economic development for stabilisation; 2) the security dimension and 3) migration and mobility.
According to Manners, what is normative power?
ability to shape conceptions of “normal” international relations (“to define what passes for “normal” in world politics is the greatest power of all”)
includes cognitive processes, with both substantive and symbolic components
what is they differences between normative and soft power
Normative power is a subset of soft power. While soft power encompasses various non-coercive means of influence, normative power specifically focuses on the influence derived from promoting and shaping norms.
Scope: Normative power is a subset of soft power. While soft power encompasses various non-coercive means of influence, normative power specifically focuses on the influence derived from promoting and shaping norms.
Nature of Influence: Normative power specifically emphasizes the power associated with setting and exporting norms and values. Soft power, on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing various non-coercive sources of influence, including cultural appeal and diplomatic efforts.
Focus of Study: Scholars like Ian Manners have developed the concept of normative power with a specific focus on the European Union’s role. Soft power, as conceptualized by Joseph Nye, is a more general framework applicable to a wide range of actors on the global stage.
What is the EUs normative basis according to Manners (2002)?
- Founding principles: liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, rule of law (formulating policy in public)
Give more normative basis aspects:
- tasks and objectives: social solidarity, anti-discrimination, sustainable development
- stable institutions: guarantee of democracy, rule of law, human rights, protection of minorities
- fundamental rights: dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizenship, justice
Nobel 2012
How do the EU and the countries in its neighbourhood define their policies?
in identity-based terms
what happens if these identities are perceived as incompatible?
logical result: series of clashes inwhich the two normative orders competet for dominance in the contested areas
exaple of Popescu and Wilson soft power in Ukraine (2009), as an example of clashes of two normative orders competing for dominance
Russia vs. EU:
Russia: rhetoric of fraternnity, multilateral institutions with membership benefits, strategic investments, visa free regime and open labor market, protects authoritarian regimes, sovereign democracy model, sets the media narrative
EU: EU information centers, lingering accession hopes, biggest trading partner, economic opportunities, aid to governments and civil society, supports democracy
