Social constructivism in International Relations (IR) is a theory that emphasizes the role of social structures, ideas, and shared beliefs in shaping the international system. Unlike realism, which focuses on material power, and liberalism, which emphasizes institutions, constructivism argues that the identities, norms, and interactions between states are central to understanding global politics.
Basic Assumptions of Social Constructivism in IR:
Social Construction of Reality: The international system is not a given but is constructed through social interactions and shared beliefs. States and other actors create and change the international structure through their practices and interactions (e.g, Cold War, SALT Talks, Detente, START Treaties).
Importance of Norms and Ideas: Norms, values, and ideas are key to understanding state behaviour. These norms shape the interests and identities of states, which in turn influence their actions.
Identity and Interests: The identities of states are not fixed but are shaped by their interactions with other states and actors. Interests are constructed based on these identities, rather than being solely determined by material factors.
Mutual Constitution of Agents and Structures: There is a dynamic relationship between actors (states, organizations) and the structures (norms, international institutions) they create. Structures influence actors, and actors, in turn, can reshape structures.
Nicholas Onuf's Contributions:
Key Work: Nicholas Onuf is credited with coining the term "constructivism" in the context of IR theory.
Books: His seminal work, "World of Our Making: Rules and Rule in Social Theory and International Relations" (1989)*, lays the foundation for social constructivism in IR.
Arguments: Onuf argues that the world is socially constructed through language, rules, and practices. He focuses on how rules are made and followed, and how they shape the behaviour of states and other international actors.
Alexander Wendt's Contributions:
Key Work: Alexander Wendt is one of the most influential constructivists in IR. His book, "Social Theory of International Politics" (1999), is a foundational text in constructivist theory.
Wendt's most widely cited work to date is Social Theory of International Politics (1999), which builds on and goes beyond his 1992 article “Anarchy is What States Make of It”. Social Theory of International Politics places itself as a response to Kenneth Waltz's 1979 work, Theory of International Politics (1979), the canonical text of the neorealist school with Wendt centering states as the object of study and replicating Waltz's division between international relations and foreign policy.
Arguments: Wendt's central thesis is encapsulated in his famous assertion, “Anarchy is what states make of it.” He challenges the realist notion that anarchy inherently leads to conflict, arguing instead that the nature of anarchy depends on how states perceive and interact within it. Wendt emphasizes the role of shared ideas and collective identities in shaping state behaviour.
Types of Anarchy: Wendt distinguishes between three cultures of anarchy: Hobbesian (conflictual), Lockean (rivalrous but rule-based), and Kantian (cooperative), each shaped by different social structures and identities.
Alexander Wendt's three types of anarchy-Hobbesian, Lockean, and Kantian-represent different social structures within the international system. Each type reflects varying levels of conflict, cooperation, and the nature of relationships between states, based on their identities and interactions.
1. Hobbesian Anarchy:
Character: In a Hobbesian anarchy, the international system is characterized by a "war of all against all." States view each other as enemies, leading to a highly conflictual environment where survival is the primary concern.
2. Lockean Anarchy:
Character: In a Lockean anarchy, states see each other as rivals but not enemies. While competition exists, it is tempered by rules and norms that govern interactions. States recognize each other's sovereignty and adhere to a degree of mutual respect.
3. Kantian Anarchy:
Character: In a Kantian anarchy, states perceive each other as friends. Cooperation and collective security are the norms, and conflicts are resolved peacefully through international institutions and shared values.
Summary:
Hobbesian Anarchy: Conflictual and competitive; states are enemies.
Lockean Anarchy: Competitive but rule-based; states are rivals.
Kantian Anarchy: Cooperative and peaceful; states are friends.
These types of anarchy show that the nature of international relations is not fixed but can vary based on the identities, interactions, and shared understandings among states.
Both Onuf and Wendt have been pivotal in establishing and advancing the constructivist approach, highlighting the importance of ideas, norms, and social interactions in understanding international relations.