Idealism vs Constructivism in International Politics
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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between regulative and constitutive norms?

  • Regulative norms focus on beliefs, while constitutive norms focus on practices.
  • Regulative norms shape states as actors, while constitutive norms shape what actors do.
  • Regulative norms establish legitimacy, while constitutive norms establish sovereignty.
  • Regulative norms shape what actors do, while constitutive norms shape states as actors. (correct)

    • According to Alastair Iain Johnston, how has China potentially changed its security policies?

  • Because of socialization processes in various multilateral forums. (correct)
  • Through economic sanctions imposed by international organizations.
  • Due to pressure from bilateral agreements with neighboring countries.
  • As a result of internal political struggles within the country.

    • In the context of norms, what does the term 'norm diffusion' refer to?

  • The reinforcement of existing norms within a society.
  • The process of creating new norms from scratch.
  • The rejection of established norms by state actors.
  • The spread of norms across different cultures and regions. (correct)

    • What is a key aspect of normative structures according to the text?

    <p>Shaping state identity and legitimate behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Johnston suggest socialization processes influence state behavior?

    <p>Through emphasizing cost–benefit calculations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the norm of non-interference?

    <p>To prevent external interference in state affairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Finnemore and Sikkink define a norm?

    <p>'A standard of appropriate behavior for actors with a given identity.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did the Peace of Westphalia play in international relations?

    <p>It established the norm of sovereignty and non-interference.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Norm diffusion, socialization, and institutionalization' are processes related to:

    <p>'Norm adoption' and 'global power dynamics.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Some paths to socialization' as discussed by Johnston are closer to:

    <p>'Constructivist approaches.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Constructivism in International Relations

    • Constructivism is a social theory that emphasizes the role of ideas, norms, and human consciousness in shaping international politics.
    • Constructivism emerged in the 1990s as a response to Neorealism and Neoliberal Institutionalism, which dominated IR theory in the 1980s.
    • Constructivists reject materialism and individualism, instead focusing on the social construction of reality and the role of ideas and norms in shaping world politics.

    Key Concepts

    • Agent-structure problem: the relationship between agents and structures in international relations
    • Holism: the view that structures cannot be decomposed into individual units and their interactions
    • Idealism: the focus on human consciousness and the social construction of reality
    • Identity: constructivists hold that identities shape interests, and that identities are social and can change
    • Normative structure: collectively held ideas, rules, beliefs, and norms that constrain actors and construct categories of meaning
    • Practices: socially meaningful patterns of action that produce and reproduce background knowledge and discourse
    • Constructed reality: reality is not just material, but also normative, and is constructed and interpreted by individuals

    Norms and Norm Diffusion

    • Norms: standards of appropriate behavior for actors with a given identity
    • Life cycle of norms: norms have three stages - emergence, cascade, and internalization
    • Norm diffusion: the process by which norms spread and become accepted by a wider audience
    • Socialization: the process by which actors learn and internalize new norms and practices

    Power and Anarchy

    • Constructivists view power as not only material, but also ideational
    • Power involves the production of identities, interests, and meanings that shape the ability of actors to control their fate
    • Anarchy: the idea that the international system is anarchic, but that this anarchy is what states make of it
    • Three cultures of anarchy: Hobbesian, Lockean, and Kantian

    Case Studies

    • The Peace of Westphalia: helped establish sovereignty and the norm of non-interference
    • China's security policies: Alastair Iain Johnston argues that China has changed its security policies due to socialization processes in multilateral forums.

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    Description

    Explore key concepts of idealism and constructivism in international politics, with a focus on how they shape perspectives on material reality and the social construction of reality.

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