How does constructivism explain the behavior of states and people?

Constructivism posits that the behavior of states and individuals is not determined by immutable structural forces, such as anarchy or the distribution of power, but is instead shaped by social constructs, including shared beliefs, values, and identities.12

Core Principles

• Social Construction: Constructivists argue that international institutions and the state itself are socially constructed, reflecting an intersubjective consensus on political practices and acceptable behavior.1
• Identity and Interests: Rather than being fixed, the identities and interests of states are continuously shaped by their interactions, history, and social institutions.12
• Meaning of Anarchy: A central tenet, famously articulated by Alexander Wendt, is that "anarchy is what states make of it". This means that the absence of a global authority does not inherently force states into a "self-help" system of power-maximization; instead, the nature of international relations depends on how states perceive and interact with one another.32

For example, the significance of a state’s military power is mediated by whether it is viewed as an ally or an enemy. Consequently, constructivists believe that by changing discourse and collective meanings, states can move from conflict toward cooperation.213