Constructivist Approach in Foreign Policy and in International Relations

Abstract

This study covers the theoretical background and tools of the constructivist approach in the foreign policy and in the international Relations. In this study, the constructivism approach is defined and it is explained how the constructivism is used in the foreign policy and international relations analysis. Scholars claim, constructivism in the foreign policy, and in the international relations, emphasizes the significance of norms and ideas, which is in the nation’s collective consciousness, associated with conceptions of national identity, and in the foreign policy context, norms and ideas are best thought of national identity. Constructivism scholars recognize the material world as existing independently, they also claim that through foreign policy state interact with each other, and then they socialize with each other. Because of this interaction, they gain their identity. The intermediate category of ideas, general attitudes and frames connects the core values of national identity to the causal ideas that shape policy choices. The process of national identity construction cannot be detached from the socio-political setting in which it takes place. In this study, special attention is given to the identity, collective identity, political identity, state identity, national identity and national interests. For the foreign policy and international relations as social constructivism claims, the identity and interests of actors are very vital for the states. Apart from interests, constructivists consider the mutual constitution of agents and structures, or structuration, to be part of constructivism’s ontology. 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.