Constructivism Theory of International Relations - Essay Example

Constructivism Theory of International Relations Constructivism Theory of International Relations Although the term constructivism is credited to Nicholas Onuf, the Constructivism Theory of International Relations is attributed to Alexander Wendit who, in his highly published article dubbed, "Anarchy is What States Make of It: the Social Construction of Power Politics" demonstrated his social constructivism advocacy. He laid the ground by formulating a theoretical framework which not only challenged the unpopular neorealist and neoliberal institutionalists who had dominated international relations theories. This paper caries put an extensive and critical analysis of the Constructivism Theory of International Relations. According to this theory, the relationship between different countries is not pegged on material, but ideological beliefs. Meaning, countries should not formulate ideas, beliefs and set of beliefs which define their own identity and guide their relationship with others. In order to carry out this analysis, this paper focuses on Stefano Guzzini’s A Reconstruction of Constructivism in International Relations and Richard Price and Christian Reus-smit’s Dangerous Liaisons? Critical International Theory and Constructivism. In his article, Stefano gives a candid discussion about the contributions of the Constructivism Theory of International Relations in the promotion of international relationships between countries. In his analysis, he says that this theory is far much better that the previous ones because it has lots of positive contributions to make. On the other hand, Richard Price and Christian Reus-smit reports on the benefits of the benefits of constructivism theory amongst the international community (Wendt, A., 2006). After analyzing the researchers conducted by these scholars, this paper goes ahead to evaluate them, their methodology, findings, analysis and recommendations. This is used in generating recommendations which can be used by future researchers in this field of study. Constructivism Theory of International Relations As Stefano reports, constructivism theory is a noble idea in the political community. Having a set of belief and identity is a core principle in the formulation and implementation of foreign policies. Therefore, as he states, it is a high time the nations shift from concentrating on material things and military organization in order to determine their relations and prowess. Even if Alexander associates this theory to the emergence of anarchy, it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that the use of ideas and cultural beliefs to define a country’s identity is more valuable as compared to the traditional use of military to determine a country’s strength. Human awareness and consciousness has a significant role to play in determining the relationships between countries. Once people are informed on their own identities and values, they will have to conform to them even if it means interacting with others from other countries. Therefore, cases of conflict will not arise since they might not be in conformity to the standard norms (Rodney, B.H., 2009). While acknowledging that international politics can be shaped by collective values, persuasive ideas, social and cultural identities, he recommends that this theory should be made more valuable and relevant by carrying out more research. In his opinion, this can help in bridging the gaps and fully informing the international community. As explained by Richard Price and Christian Reus-smit, constructivism theory interests and identity should precede interactions. Meaning, with the cultural values, traditions, beliefs and norms known before any interactions, a country will be in a better position to define whatever it needs. When it is necessary for them to relate in a manner, it will be known right before making any attempt to interact. Thus, it will be possible to shape the kind of relationship to adopt. For example, when there is a disagreement, a country complying with the principles of this theory will rely on thoughtful ideas to choose the right path to take. Otherwise, if it is a matter of measuring prowess by the use of weapons, no compromise will be achieved. Thus, the prevailing tension will not cease. Based on these articles, I would like to point out that these scholars conducted a well organized and extensive research. They had to choose to carry out a research on this theory in order to create more awareness and inform their respective audiences on all the contributions, controversies and the gaps in this theory which need more researchers to study. In the choice of their methodology, I would like to recommend that it was properly done. It seems that they knew about the main objective of their research. Thus, they identified and used the most appropriate variables which would help them in answering their research questions and the hypotheses. Both of these scholars knew about the predictions that would determine their findings. This explains why there was no failure in the whole of their research. After identifying the research topic/issue, they settled on literature review in which they conducted several documentary analyses in order to get more information about this theory. They did this by choosing the most appropriate and relevant set of documents to use. Thus, their work became more credible and authoritative to be relied upon by other scholars for carrying out their future researches (Rodney, B.H., 2009). This area or f research is quite important for these scholars. Although several scholars have researched on it, a lot still need to be done because, as Richard and Christian suggest, a lot still need to be done in order to fill up the missing links. Based on their findings that this theory is valuable for the contemporary society, I would like to concur with them. Indeed, this is a good conclusion because, as they explain, human relations should be guided by well outlined ideologies, beliefs, culture and identity. Therefore, while commending them for a job well done, I would like to appeal to the policy makers and major political players to consider applying this theory in formulating their foreign policies and shaping their relationship with other countries. At the same time, I would like to rally behind these scholars for appealing to other researchers to come up and with findings and recommendations which can be used to sensitize the general public (Wendt, A., 2006). More understanding is required since a proper understanding of the international relation progress depends on a proper synthesis of constructivism and realism theories. References Rodney, B.H. (2009) National Collective Identity. New York: Columbia University Press. Wendt, A. (2006) Social Theory of International Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Read More