Chapter 7 Review questions

  1. Read Boxes 7.2 and 7.3 and discuss the constructivist focus on ideas. Do constructivists take material factors into account in their analyses, or do they disregard them as unimportant?
  2. Set forth the differences between 'conventional' and 'post-positivist' constructivists as illustrated in Figure 7.1. Whose side are you on?
  3. Different 'cultures of anarchy' are set forth in Figure 7.2. Discuss the appropriate place of the current international system in the table.
  4. According to constructivists, 'anarchy need not lead to self-help'. Explain whether or not you agree.
  5. How damaging is the constructivist critique for neorealist theory?
  6. Give examples of social constructivist analyses of IR.
  7. Give examples of international norms that are obeyed by states.
  8. 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?
  9. Critics of constructivism often point to the problems of uncertainty/deception and claim that this is downplayed by constructivists. Explain and discuss.
  10. How can constructivists cooperate with liberals and International Society theorists?
  11. 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?
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