Sample Essay On Constructivism

Constructivism is the most helpful International relation theory for understanding the world around us. For Constructivists, the variables of interest such as domestic inclinations, trade relationships, other international organizations and military power are not important since they are merely facts about the world that are objective. Instead, these factors have particular social meanings. Furthermore, the relations between nations take place in a social context. These result in the view by Constructivists that matters of identity and belief are critical to such relations. A certain nation may act in particular manner towards another state just because of the way it perceives it. Since different nations have varying principles and identities, they may have the fundamental reason to pursue their survival, wealth and authority.
Under Constructivism, there is emphasis on the social norms in the politics in which states relate with each other. Social norms are the acceptable rules and modes of conduct within a given social setting. In understanding this, Constructivists have been able to establish a distinction between logic of consequences and that of appropriateness. Logic of consequences takes place where an action is taken sensibly to make the most of the interest of a nation. On the other hand, logic of appropriateness is where such sensibility to make decisions is strongly influenced by social norms. The US dollar, for example, just like every other currency, is under the control of its government. It is through the meeting of international norms and the social norms of that particular nation that its currency is likely to experience a boost. In the United States, the aspect of social norms is not as greatly embraced as compared to other world nations. This may be considered as one of the reasons for the US dollar’s rise to the top of the most prevalent currency in the world. It may, however, be the same reason that the dollar may be displaced from its current top position by such currencies as the Chinese Yuan and Japanese Yen.
In conclusion, Constructivist theory can be considered as the most influential due to the fact that social meanings and norms are given to various factors such as principles and identities. Constructivist do not base their theory on military power, and they believe that the only things that matter are identity and belief, the notions that are critical to any relations.