Constructivism and Identity Politics in Global Affairs: A Theoretical and Critical Analysis

Abstract

This study covers the theoretical background and tools of the constructivist approach in the foreign policy and in the international Relations. This paper defines the constructivism approach and explains how the constructivism approach is applied to foreign policy and international relations analysis. According to scholars, constructivism in foreign policy, and in international relations, highlights the importance of norms and ideas, and in the context of foreign policy, norms and ideas are best thought of national identity. Constructivism scholars acknowledge that the material world is separate and exists as a whole, they also argue that through foreign policy state interact with each other, and then they socialize with each other. Due to such interaction, they acquire their identity. The intermediate group of ideas, general attitudes and frames links the fundamental values of national identity with the causal ideas that are the ones that determine policy choices. The national identity construction process cannot be separated out of the sociopolitical context within which the process occurs. This paper has given special focus on identity, collective identity, political identity, state identity, national identity and national interests. Regarding foreign policy and international relations as social constructivism asserts, identity and interests of actors are extremely crucial to the states. Other than interests, constructivists believe that mutual constitution of agents and structures, or structuration is a part of the ontology of constructivism. Activities, relations and interactions are very important between agents and structures; as a result, through these activities, states can understand each other, and they can build and shape their identities.