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2.4 Constructivism (Chủ nghĩa kiến tạo) - Coggle Diagram
2.4 Constructivism
(Chủ nghĩa kiến tạo)
What is the constructivist world?
Constructivism emphasizes the potential for change in international relations through the reflection on norms, identities, and social interactions.
Examples: Post-Cold War norms, such as those related to sovereignty and humanitarian interventions, evolved due to changing ideas and global consensus.
Comparison with Realism and Liberalism
Liberalism
: Emphasizes cooperation, peace, and institutional arrangements.
Constructivism
: Stresses that ideas, identities, and social constructs shape international relations. Anarchy, power, and sovereignty are seen as socially constructed rather than inherent features of the global system.
Realism
: Focuses on material power, security, and survival in an anarchic international system.
The Evolution of Constructivist Thought
Social Constructivism: Highlights the role of shared ideas and collective identities, pioneered by Alexander Wendt.
Agent-Oriented Constructivism
Focuses on individual actors (e.g., Gorbachev’s "new thinking") and their capacity to influence and reshape international identities.
Individual Impact: Stresses that individuals can think independently, leading to new ideas and changes in the international system.
Cold War Influence: The end of the Cold War and the rise of nationalism and religious fundamentalism spurred interest in constructivism.
The Limitations of Constructivism
Criticisms
Liberal Critique: Liberals contend that constructivism lacks ethical or moral core notions and is unclear on what drives the adoption of dominant ideas.
Jervis' Critique: Some criticize constructivism for its excessive focus on ideas and not enough attention to the underlying factors that shape or drive these ideas.
Realist Critique: Realists argue that norms and values are simply expressions of state interests and can be strategically adopted.
Pluralistic Methodology
A more pluralistic approach is needed to integrate both causal (material) and constitutive (ideational) factors.
Constructivism as a Meta-Approach
Some argue that constructivism is more of a social scientific framework or methodology than a theory. It supplements, rather than replaces, realism and liberalism.