Constructivism
France is known to have had a significant thrust in the integration of the European Union; this especially through the establishment of the European defense and security policy. Furthermore, it has developed an independent European security and defense policy that is capable of exercising military action (Europe Puissance). This is a classical example where there is some shared information on social culture, usually as a result of socialization.
Now since constructivists depend on the collective “we” feeling shared by a society, this implies anything interfering with the group of persons is likely to meddle with the security status of the people. Like migration for example. However, the major principles that underpin this view are:
- The perceptions on multilateralism; this is usually close to the comprehensive approach towards security. Its thrust goes way beyond the strict notion of helping oneself. Generally it entails how a state is integrated in terms of informal and formal institution as well how it relates with others.
- The use of force; this relates to who has the authority to exert and the kind of force to be exerted. Force may not be military; rather it could be diplomatic, economic or other coercive non violent measure.
Actually both principles are closely linked, for instance in a practical setting where they are involved in a security institution questions of who has the authority to sanction order and the kind of force applied are collectively decided and framed.
Strengths of the constructivists approach
It results in an integration setting that is tightly coupled. This has the idea of a military powerful security framework that is well coordinated. Like the Europe puissance. This transfer of the rights of “actor” further strengthens the integration overlooking the federal boarders.
Weaknesses of the constructivists approach
It is a relatively unstable ideology given the many factors (like geographical setting) it depends on therefore coming up with an unreliable system.
Bibliography
Cristol, Jonathan. "Constructivism." Oxford Bibliographies, 2013: p1.
Rieker, Pernille. "From Common Defense To Comprehensive Security." Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, 2005: 1-6.
Schmid, Markus Thomas. THE CONCEPT OF COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY: A DISTINCTIVE FEATURE OF SHARED SECURITY CULTURE IN EUROPE. Master's Thesis, California: NAVAL POST GRADUATE SCHOOL, 2007.
