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A Brief Overview of Alexander Wendt's Constructivism Written by Zhan Mengshu
A Brief Overview of Alexander Wendt's Constructivism Written by Zhan Mengshu This PDF is auto-generated for reference only. As such, it may contain some conversion errors and/or missing information. For all formal use please refer to the official version on the website, as linked below. A Brief Overview of Alexander Wendt's Constructivism https://www.e-ir.info/2020/05/19/a-brief-overview-of-alexander-wendts-constructivism/ ZHAN MENGSHU, MAY 19 2020 For decades, the theory of International Relations was dominated by two approaches: realism and liberalism. Constructivism had been marginalized by these mainstream theories because it focused on social construction instead of material construction (Barkin, 2017). The turning point came late in the 1980s as the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War made people reconsider the explanatory ability of mainstream theories (Hopf, 1998). Consequently, a new debate emerged. Under this, the development of Alexander Wendt’s constructivist theory gained attention in academia and began to stand out (Lapid, 2007). Wendt published ‘Anarchy is What States Make of It: The Social Construction of Power Politics’ in 1992. In this paper he revealed the limitation of the concept of anarchy from the neorealist and neoliberal theories in explaining international relations (Wendt, 1992). In 1999 he further developed the theory in Social Theory of International Politics. In the book, Wendt opened up a moderate lane in the development of constructivist theory (Guzzin & Leander, 2001) and essentially created a ‘thin’ constructivism. That is, Wendt recognizes the main points of materialism and individualism, as well as a scientific methods of social inquiry. -
The Emergence of Human Security: a Constructivist View
International Journal of Peace Studies, Volume 14, Number 2, Autumn/Winter 2009 THE EMERGENCE OF HUMAN SECURITY: A CONSTRUCTIVIST VIEW Yu-tai Tsai Abstract In response to the end of the Cold War and the increasing pace of globalization, the concept of human security has taken on greater importance in international relations. This article argues that while conventional approaches to security studies focus on security community or security culture, the constructivist perspective offers additional conceptual tools through its insight into the issues of human consciousness, national identity, and interest formation. Hence, various phenomena of importance to international society can be better understood by applying the insights of constructivism to the concept of human security. The main purpose of this article is to explore human security as elucidated by the constructivist perspective. In light of this analysis, specific issues will be examined, including the relationship between human security and constructivism, the interpretation of human security by constructivist scholars, and the implications of human security for constructivism. ―The state remains the fundamental purveyor of security. Yet it often fails to fulfill its security obligations….That is why attention must now shift from the security of the state to the security of the people—to human security. ‖ —Commission on Human Security, 2003 20 The Emergence of Human Security Introduction The end of the Cold War and the increasing pace of globalization have given rise to fundamental changes in many of the paradigms employed in the social sciences. Amongst the various new ideas which have emerged, ―human security‖ has become somewhat of a buzzword. -
International Politics and the Environment Mitchell-3884-Prelims:Mitchell-Prelims.Qxp 4/28/2009 7:56 PM Page Ii
Mitchell-3884-Prelims:Mitchell-Prelims.qxp 4/28/2009 7:56 PM Page i International Politics and the Environment Mitchell-3884-Prelims:Mitchell-Prelims.qxp 4/28/2009 7:56 PM Page ii SAGE Series on the Foundations of International Relations NEW IN 2009 Series Editors: Walter Carlsnaes Uppsala University, Sweden Jeffrey T. Checkel Simon Fraser University, Canada International Advisory Board: Peter J. Katzenstein Cornell University, USA ; Emanuel Adler University of Toronto, Canada ; Martha Finnemore George Washington University, USA ; Andrew Hurrell Oxford University, UK ; G. John Ikenberry Princeton University, USA ; Beth Simmons Harvard University, USA ; Steve Smith University of Exeter, UK ; Michael Zuern Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, Germany . The SAGE Foundations series fills the gap between narrowly-focused research monographs and broad introductory texts, providing graduate students with state-of-the-art, critical overviews of the key sub-fields within International Relations: International Political Economy, International Security, Foreign Policy Analysis, International Organization, Normative IR Theory, International Environmental Politics, Globalization, and IR Theory. Explicitly designed to further the transatlantic dialogue fostered by publications such as the SAGE Handbook of International Relations , the series is written by renowned scholars drawn from North America, continental Europe and the UK. The books are intended as core texts on advanced courses in IR, taking students beyond the basics and into the heart of the debates within each field, encouraging an independent, critical approach and signposting further avenues of research. Forthcoming titles: International Security – Christopher Daase International Relations Theory – Colin Wight Globalization – James Caporaso Foreign Policy Analysis – Walter Carlsnaes Mitchell-3884-Prelims:Mitchell-Prelims.qxp 4/28/2009 7:56 PM Page iii International Politics and the Environment Ronald B. -
EDITORIAL Sociological Perspectives on International Organizations And
EDITORIAL Sociological Perspectives on International Organizations and the Construction of Global Political Order—An Introduction by Martin Koch, Bielefeld University and Stephan Stetter, Universität der Bundeswehr München Some twenty-five years ago, Gayl Ness and Steven Brechin stated in an article, which turned out to be seminal for the research field of organizational studies, that the “gap between the study of international organization and sociology is deep and persistent” (1988:245). Although the discipline of International Relations (IR) has achieved some progress and arguably does no longer share “an essentially naïve view of organizations as simple mechanical tools that act directly and precisely at the bidding of their creators” (Ness and Brechin 1988:269), there is still an unfortunate gap between how IR and sociology understand international organizations. We argue in this special issue that this gap negatively affects the way international (governmental) organizations (IOs) are often studied. Thus, in many IR approaches they are still considered as somewhat incapacitated actors, coming close to what Ness and Brechin refer to as a “naïve view of organizations.” By bridging the proverbial gap through contributions drawing from both organizational theories in sociology and research on IOs relevant to IR, this special issue on “Sociological Perspectives on International Organizations and the construction of global political order” aims to offer alternative and potentially enriching theoretical and empirical perspectives on what is bound to be a key feature of global politics in the twenty-first century, namely a deep and persistent (but also ambivalent) impact of IOs—understood as organizations in their own right embedded in their social environment (see Brechin and Ness in this issue)— on structures, actor constellations, and issues of contemporary global politics. -
The Emergence of Human Security: a Constructivist View
The emergence of human security: a constructivist view Tsai, Yu-tai. "The emergence of human security: a constructivist view." International Journal of Peace Studies 14.2 (2009): 19+. Document Type: Report In response to the end of the Cold War and the increasing pace of globalization, the concept of human security has taken on greater importance in international relations. This article argues that while conventional approaches to security studies focus on security community or security culture, the constructivist perspective offers additional conceptual tools through its insight into the issues of human consciousness, national identity, and interest formation. Hence, various phenomena of importance to international society can be better understood by applying the insights of constructivism to the concept of human security. The main purpose of this article is to explore human security as elucidated by the constructivist perspective. In light of this analysis, specific issues will be examined, including the relationship between human security and constructivism, the interpretation of human security by constructivist scholars, and the implications of human security for constructivism. "The state remains the fundamental purveyor of security. Yet it often fails to fulfill its security obligations.... That is why attention must now shift from the security of the state to the security of the people--to human security." --Commission on Human Security, 2003 Introduction The end of the Cold War and the increasing pace of globalization have given rise to fundamental changes in many of the paradigms employed in the social sciences. Amongst the various new ideas which have emerged, "human security" has become somewhat of a buzzword. -
A Revised Model for Mutually Constituted Power
A Revised Model for Mutually Constituted Power Relations in Wendt’s Constructivism: The Case of Turkish Foreign Policy Karşılıklı Kurulan Güç İlişkileri İçin Wendt’in İnşacı Modelini Tekrar Gözden Geçirmek: Türk Dış Politikası Örneği Selin KARANA ŞENOL(*) Üsküdar Üniversitesi Abstract Sosyal Bilimler Starting with 1990s, constructivism has become one of the mainstream Dergisi Yıl:3 theories of International Relations and made important contributions to the Sayı:4 field. Among constructivists, Alexander Wendt has attracted highest attention by proposing possibility of finding a common ground between constructivism and realism. Is it possible to reconcile these two different perspectives? This paper attempts to reveal the conjunction point between realist and constructivist approaches through the discussion of Wendt’s constructivist ideas and realism. The argument follows that although actors shape each other’s identities and interests through mutual interactions as Wendt stipulates those who possess more power and capabilities shape the other actors, who have limited power and capabilities, more. To test this hypothesis, this paper analyses change in Turkish foreign policy towards Libya and Syria within the framework of the relationship between Turkey and the United States. These cases demonstrate how a superior (*) Asst. Prof., Ph.D., Üsküdar University, Department of Political Science and International Relations. 11 22Haziran_Sayi4_16cmx23cm_TasmaPayiYok.pdf 11 22.06.2017 11:55:31 Selin KARANA ŞENOL power, the USA, can influence identity creation process of a weaker state, Turkey, as Turkey was driven to abandon “zero problem with neighbors” policy and peace–prone identity with the influence of the USA since 2011. Keywords: Constructivism, Alexander Wendt, Turkish Foreign Policy, U.S. -
China and the US Strategic Construction of Cybernorms: the Process Is the Product 3
A HOOVER INSTITUTION ESSAY China and the US Strategic Construction of Cybernorms: The Process Is the Product DUNCAN B. HOLLIS Aegis Paper Series No. 1704 How can states anticipate which behaviors other states will pursue or forgo? States employ various tools—deterrence, treaties, political commitments, customary rules, etc.—that attempt to do so. For all their diversity, such efforts share a common objective: to instantiate norms. In international relations, norms represent shared expectations about appropriate (or inappropriate) behavior within a given community.1 Just as norms can set expectations for individual human behavior—what clothes we wear, what utensils we use, when we resort to violence—they provide powerful vehicles for structuring state behavior. Norms explain why states accept the propriety of territorial boundaries just as they explain the social condemnation that follows perceived violations.2 And where states engage in behaviors that National Security, Technology, and Law and Technology, Security, National become unwanted, constructing new (or different) norms provides a pathway for reducing or eliminating them. Normative changes, for example, explain why “modern” states no longer engage in acts like slavery, plunder, or gunboat diplomacy.3 With such a legacy, it is not surprising that the United States turned to “cybernorms” to address the rising insecurity of cyberspace, especially where it could be attributed to key states like China.4 For nearly a decade, the United States had two significant goals for affecting -
THEORIES of INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Graduate Seminar Autumn 2016
Political Science 7300: THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Graduate Seminar Autumn 2016 Class Location: 012 Hayes Hall Prof. Alexander Thompson Class Time: Monday 12-2:45 Derby Hall 2038 [email protected] Office Hours: Tuesday 10-12 Course Description This course introduces graduate students to important theoretical perspectives and debates in the field of international relations. We will cover works that address different levels of analysis and that span major theoretical paradigms and methodological approaches. We will discuss intellectual history as well as cutting-edge contributions to the field. Class sessions will be conducted in a seminar format, though I will offer occasional, brief lectures to introduce new topics or situate debates. Course Requirements The final grade will be based on the following components: 50% – two short papers, not to exceed six double-spaced pages (25% each) 30% – final exam (take-home) 10% – five one-page memos on a week’s readings 10% – class participation, including contributions to discussion and presentations More details on the papers and exam will be provided as the course proceeds. Readings Readings are available in the course texts, online through Carmen, and/or online through the library’s journal collection. Students are expected to complete all of the assigned readings before the relevant class session. For each reading, we will summarize the argument, discuss its contribution to IR, and probe the argument and evidence for strengths and weaknesses. The following questions can be used -
Inn U Ottawa L-'Umvor'siu'' Ciinaiilortiiv- Mn FACULTY of GRADUATE and FACULTE DES ETUDES SUPERIEURES ET POSTOCTORALES U Ottawa POSDOCTORAL STUDIES
inn u Ottawa l-'Umvor'siU'' ciinaiilortiiv- mn FACULTY OF GRADUATE AND FACULTE DES ETUDES SUPERIEURES ET POSTOCTORALES U Ottawa POSDOCTORAL STUDIES L'Universit6 canadienne Canada's university Cara Vamayan AUTEUR DE LA THESE / AUTHOR OF THESIS M.A. (Political Science) GRADE/DEGREE School of Political Studies "FACUITE7FC6L!7DM^ Humanitarian Intervention and the Failure to Protect: Sham Compliance and the Limitations of the Norm Life Cycle Model TITREDE LA THESE/TITLE OF THESIS Professeur Stephen Brown DIRECTEUR (DIRECTRICE) DE LA THESE / THESIS SUPERVISOR CO-DIRECTEUR (CO-DIRECTRICE) DE LA THESE / THESIS CO-SUPERVISOR EXAMINATEURS (EXAMINATRICES) DE LA THESE / THESIS EXAMINERS Professeur David Grondin Professeur Roland Paris Gary W. Slater Le Doyen de la Faculte des etudes superieures et postdoctorales / Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Humanitarian Intervention and the Failure to Protect: Sham Compliance and the Limitations of the Norm Life Cycle Model Cara Vanayan Thesis Adviser: Dr. Stephen Brown Department of Political Studies University of Ottawa April 2008 Library and Bibliotheque et 1*1 Archives Canada Archives Canada Published Heritage Direction du Branch Patrimoine de I'edition 395 Wellington Street 395, rue Wellington Ottawa ON K1A0N4 Ottawa ON K1A0N4 Canada Canada Your file Votre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-48515-6 Our file Notre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-48515-6 NOTICE: AVIS: The author has granted a non L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive exclusive license allowing Library permettant a la Bibliotheque -
POLISCI 720 “Proseminar in International Relations Theory”
POLISCI 720 “ProSeminar in International Relations Theory” Dr. Charli Carpenter Department of Political Science University of MassachusettsAmherst COURSE DESCRIPTION This IR ProSeminar provides students with an overview of the theoretical traditions inspiring current research in international relations. The course will focus on how theoretical debates inform key literature in major areas of international relations as a field of study. The course is designed to help students prepare for the IR comprehensive exam as well as to develop dissertation topics and research plans in international relations. As such, it is constructed in such a way as to familiarize students with canonical readings, debates and cleavages in the field, key substantive themes, and ways in which individual scholars might situate topically interesting work in such a way as to speak to the wider discipline. This is a reading seminar. Normally the first 2030 minutes will be devoted to a brief overview of the literature being covered that week. This will be followed a presentation by a student who will summarize the supplementary readings assigned for that week and link them analytically and critically to the required readings. A semistructured discussion will follow these two presentations each week in which each student is expected to participate in an informed, thoughtful way. Students will discuss their reactions to the required literature. This format will commence in modules two and three after some introductory material in the first two weeks. In Module three, students will meet and get to know each member of the international relations faculty, each of whom will guest lecture in their area of expertise. -
Taking Preferences Seriously: a Liberal Theory of International Politics Andrew Moravcsik
Taking Preferences Seriously: A Liberal Theory of International Politics Andrew Moravcsik This article reformulates liberal international relations (IR) theory in a nonideological and nonutopian form appropriate to empirical social science. Liberal IR theory elaborates the insight that state-society relations—the relationship of states to the domestic and transna- tional social context in which they are embedded—have a fundamental impact on state behavior in world politics. Societal ideas, interests, and institutions influence state behavior by shaping state preferences, that is, the fundamental social purposes underlying the strate- gic calculations of governments. For liberals, the configuration of state preferences matters most in world politics—not, as realists argue, the configuration of capabilities and not, as institutionalists (that is, functional regime theorists) maintain, the configuration of informa- tion and institutions. This article codifies this basic liberal insight in the form of three core theoretical assumptions, derives from them three variants of liberal theory, and demon- strates that the existence of a coherent liberal theory has significant theoretical, methodologi- cal, and empirical implications. Restated in this way, liberal theory deserves to be treated as a paradigmatic alternative empirically coequal with and analytically more fundamen- tal than the two dominant theories in contemporary IR scholarship: realism and insti- tutionalism. For detailed comments and criticisms, I am grateful above all to Anne-Marie Slaughter, -
A Realist Critique of the English School
Review of International Studies (2003), 29, 427–441 Copyright © British International Studies Association DOI: 10.1017/S0260210503004273 A Realist critique of the English School DALE C. COPELAND Over the past decade, the English School of International Relations (IR) has made a remarkable resurgence. Countless articles and papers have been written on the School.1 Some of these works have been critical, but most have applauded the School’s efforts to provide a fruitful ‘middle way’ for IR theory, one that avoids the extremes of either an unnecessarily pessimistic realism or a naively optimistic idealism. At the heart of this via media is the idea that, in many periods of history, states exist within an international society of shared rules and norms that conditions their behaviour in ways that could not be predicted by looking at material power structures alone. If the English School (ES) is correct that states often follow these rules and norms even when their power positions and security interests dictate alternative policies, then American realist theory – a theory that focuses on power and security drives as primary causal forces in global politics – has been dealt a potentially serious blow. This article will argue that American realism remains a more useful starting point than the English School for building strong explanatory and predictive IR theory. From the realist perspective, there are two major problems with the English School as it is currently constituted. The first has to do with its lack of clarity as a putative theory of international politics. For American social scientists, it is difficult to figure out what exactly the School is trying to explain, what its causal logic is, or how one would go about measuring its core independent (causal) variable, ‘international society’.