How do shared values, history, and institutions shape political identities according to constructivism?

According to constructivism in international relations, political identities are not fixed or biologically determined; rather, they are socially constructed through the ongoing interactions of actors.12

The Role of Shared Values, History, and Institutions

Constructivists argue that human behavior is fundamentally shaped by identity, which is in turn defined by a society’s history, values, practices, and institutions. These elements create an "intersubjective consensus"—a shared set of beliefs regarding acceptable social behavior and political practice.1

• Institutions as Social Arrangements: Rather than immutable structures, institutions are viewed as social arrangements that reflect the goals and interests of agents. They provide the normative framework that organizes the world and guides how actors perceive one another.32
• History and Collective Meaning: History serves as a foundation for identity, as shared memories and experiences create strong connections among group members. Constructivists emphasize that these collective meanings constitute the structures that organize political action.42
• Identity and Interaction: Because identities are shaped by social context, they are subject to change if social conditions or interactions evolve. For example, states can learn to move from a "self-help" identity to a more cooperative, "other-regarding" identity through changed interactions, demonstrating that political reality is constantly being reconstructed.42

Ultimately, constructivism posits that because we collectively create the meanings that define our world, we possess the agency to reshape those identities and the resulting political outcomes.132