Neoconstructivists

Neoconstructivism is a broad theoretical framework primarily found in international relations theory. It emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a response to both traditional realism and liberalism, as well as earlier forms of constructivism. Neoconstructivists share the fundamental constructivist assumption that the social world is constructed through shared ideas, norms, and identities, rather than being dictated by material factors alone. However, they often engage more directly with and seek to refine or challenge existing theories of international relations.

Key tenets of neoconstructivism include the emphasis on the mutual constitution of agents and structures, meaning that actors and the international system shape each other. They are also interested in the role of discourse, language, and practice in creating and maintaining international realities. Unlike some earlier constructivist approaches that might have focused on a singular ideational logic, neoconstructivists explore the complex interplay of multiple norms, identities, and interests. They often seek to explain specific political phenomena, such as the end of the Cold War, the formation of European identity, or the dynamics of international security, by analyzing the ideational factors at play. While acknowledging the importance of material power, neoconstructivists argue that its meaning and effects are always socially and ideationally mediated. Their work often involves detailed empirical analysis to trace the causal pathways through which ideas influence state behavior and shape international outcomes.