Social Constructivism

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 Social Constructivism is a theoretical approach in IR which argues that the international system is shaped by social interactions, shared ideas, norms, identities, and beliefs—not just by material forces like military power or economic capability.

This approach gained attention in the end of  Cold War. Contructivist approach believes that there is no objectivity in this Social and political world.

It challenges the dominant neo realist view that international politics is purely driven by power and anarchy.


Core Assumption


Ideas and norms matter

State is not a concrete object , it is group of people who share some ideas, culture and follow same type of norms. Social Constructivist believes that these ideas and norms make state behavior. 

It is not International structure which is responsible for State behavior but their ideologies which force them to behave like that.



Identities shape interests


People's beliefs and Assumption become particularly significant when they widely shared them, especially when they add their Identities with these beliefs . These Identities shapes Interests of that particular group of people.

States act based on who they think they are (identity) and who others are (enemy, ally, rival).


Anarchy is socially constructed


The most influential formulations of social Constructivism was Alexander Wendt's  assertion :

 “Anarchy is what states make of it.”

It means that state behavior is not determined, as neo realist assert, by the anarchical structure of International system , but by how a particular state view that structure according to their Identities .

Anarchy (absence of world government) doesn’t automatically lead to war; states interpret it. Their behavior decide who is enemy and who is ally.


Change is possible

 According to Social Constructivism international politics is not fixed. It continually change its nature. However there is anarchy in International system but states rules, culture and identities changing day by day. People share their cultures, thoughts, opinion on the global platform.  



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👥 Key Thinkers


Alexander Wendt — pioneer of constructivism in IR.


Martha Finnemore — norms and humanitarian intervention.


Nicholas Onuf — coined the term “Constructivism”.


Conclusion 

International politics is shaped by ideas, norms, and identities, not just power.

Anarchy’s effect depends on how states interpret it.

Interests are socially constructed.

Norms can change → International politics can evolve.

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