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Introduction to International Relations 7e Student Resources is no longer available and it was replaced by Introduction to International Relations 8e.
Chapter 8 Review questions
Chapter 8 Review questions
Social Constructivism
- Read Boxes 8.1 and 8.2 and discuss the constructivist focus on ideas. Do constructivists take material factors into account in their analyses, or do they disregard them as unimportant?
- Set forth the differences between 'conventional' and 'critical' constructivists. Whose side are you on?
- Different 'cultures of anarchy' are set forth in Figure 8.2. Discuss the appropriate place of the current international system in the table.
- According to constructivists, 'anarchy need not lead to self-help'. Explain whether or not you agree.
- How damaging is the constructivist critique for neorealist theory?
- Give examples of social constructivist analyses of IR.
- Give examples of international norms that are obeyed by states.
- International norms will always be set aside by strong states if their interests dictate it, says Stephen Krasner. Is he right? How serious is this problem for constructivist analysis?
- Critics of constructivism often point to the problems of uncertainty/deception and claim that this is downplayed by constructivists. Explain and discuss.
- How can constructivists cooperate with liberals and International Society theorists?
- Which levels of analysis – systemic or domestic or both – does Alexander Wendt’s theory that ‘anarchy is what states make of it’ operate on? Is this problematic?