Social Constructivism

Question 1

What are the three initial lessons from constructivism?

Answer 1

In social life, there are no pre-determined outcome.
Agency and can help shape reality: political responsibility
Our existence is shaped and mediated by social interactions, norms and rules.

Question 2

Constructivism: social theory

Answer 2

IR a social construction, world not preset but constructed as actors act and interact. Reality is socially constructed in a social interaction context.

Question 3

Norm emergence

Answer 3

Persuasion by norm entrepreneurs

Question 4

Norm cascade

Answer 4

Dynamic of imitation by other states

Question 5

Norm internalization

Answer 5

Norms acquire a taken for granted quality

Question 6

Wendt: Cultures of Anarchy

Answer 6

Hobbesian order: norms are followed because they are guaranteed by a credible enforcer. Logic of enmity

Lockean order: norms are internalised, rivalry and cost calculation

Kantian order: deepest level of internalisation. Force of cost are not determinative. Logic of friendship.

Question 7

Identity (Wendt)

Answer 7

Identity is used to inform interests. Result from patterns of regular interaction. Conceptions of self and interest tend to mirror practices of significant others over time. Notion of the looking glass self, which asserts the self reflects an actors socialization.

Question 8

What are the three steps of identity change?

Answer 8

The end of consensus

De naturalization of identity and identification of new possibilities

New practices interacting with the others as that other had already changed their identity.

Question 9

Conventional constructivism

Answer 9

• Accepts positivist epistemology
• Understands states as preferential units of the international system

Question 10

Critical constructivism

Answer 10

• Rejection of positive epistemology
• Discourse to understand laws and norms
• Social epistemology: reality only meaningful via words

Question 11

What are the main features of constructivism in IR?

Answer 11

1. Actors and structures are mutually constituted through norms and practices
2. Anarchy no material existence, an imagined community
3. Identities and interests are inter related
4. Practices are fundamental to understanding IR
5. Change in world politics is both possible and difficult

Question 12

Donald Trump and Greenland: interest

Answer 12

Interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark. An autonomous territory which is secure in this relationship.
Military interest and the economic value of mineral resources.

Question 13

What is wrong with US acquiring Greenland by force?

Answer 13

At odds with previous US policies. Irritate allies in pursuing this path. China/Russia potential to become more influential in Europe because of US relationship decline. Soft power vs hard power.

Question 14

Rationale of Greenland acquisition?

Answer 14

Trump leadership which places pressure on allies. Geopolitical vision. NATO states more money on defence to aid US interests. Trump bravado post US election.

Question 15

Historicism

Answer 15

A central component of the human experience. Operations of the world vary across time. States increasingly become more complicated. Beginnings of globalization. More complicated knowledge systems. Changing character of societies and global contextual challenges. Growth of supranational institutions.

Question 16

Why did the cold war contribute to the rise of constructivism?

Answer 16

Surprised realist and liberalist thinkers. Couldn’t account for change. In need of intersubjectivity and focus upon human behaviour.

Question 17

Currency example

Answer 17

Currency: rational exchanges based on ascribed values. This value is not intrinsic. Money a social fact. Different from brute facts. Entrenched cultural understanding.
Stimulus – ascribe meaning – reactions.
Rules have deep cultural roots and maintain processes.

Question 18

What is argued about anarchy?

Answer 18

Argued therefore that anarchy is learnt behaviour. Cultural baggage. Ideational structures and socialization.