Constructivism (page 20 21) Colin Hay

Aim/contribution
To open up a middle way (Adler) between rationalism and postmodernism
To explore the implications of acknowledging that political realities are socially
constructed and of according ideas an independent role in the analysis of
international relations
To explore the implications of replacing rationalisms logic of instrumental
rationality with a more sociological conception of agency
To explore the implications of treating interests and preferences as social
constructions rather than as objectively given


Key assumptions
Our beliefs play a crucial role in the construction of our reality
The social and political world is not given but an inherently intersubjective domain
there is no social realm independent of human activity
Ideational factors should be accorded as significant a role in international relations
as material forces
Positivism cannot be reconciled with an emphasis upon the significance of
intersubjective understanding


Key themes
assess the transformative impact of novel social constructions (such as
European Union) on the state system
Emphasizes the importance of discursive construction and naming in the
identification and response, say, to security threats threats are
perceptions ant it is perceptions rather than realities that are responded to


Constructivism rejects the rationalism on which the neo-neosythesis is premised, seeking
to render its analytical assumptions more complex and realistic. (pg. 19)

broadening of the field of political analysis to encompass not just interests but the means
by which interests are identified and constructued in the first place and the institutional
context in which such interests are expressed, acted upon and revised. (pg 19 20)

in order to understand world politics we need to explore the means and mechanisms by
which states come to identify, act upon and revise their perception of both their interests
and in the process, their identity, who they are and what they stand for (20 21).