Seizing the Middle Ground:
Constructivism in World Politics
EMANUEL ADLER
Contents
Personal note :.......................................................................................................................................1
Personal note :.......................................................................................................................................1
Abstract :................................................................................................................................................2
Abstract :................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction:...........................................................................................................................................2
Introduction:...........................................................................................................................................2
Constructivism: The middle ground........................................................................................................3
Constructivism: The middle ground........................................................................................................3
Social epistemology and IR:....................................................................................................................5
Social epistemology and IR:....................................................................................................................5
Materialism and Idealism..................................................................................................................5
Materialism and Idealism..................................................................................................................5
Individual vs social origins of human action: Elster, Durkheim and Giddens.....................................6
Individual vs social origins of human action: Elster, Durkheim and Giddens.....................................6
Verstehen as Epistemology and as Reality........................................................................................7
Verstehen as Epistemology and as Reality........................................................................................7
Intersubjectivity.................................................................................................................................7
Intersubjectivity.................................................................................................................................7
Constructivism approach to science..................................................................................................8
Constructivism approach to science..................................................................................................8
Constructivism’s middle ground between rationalist and relativist international relations theories.....8
Constructivism’s middle ground between rationalist and relativist international relations theories.....8
Personal note :
Main thesis : revolves around the constructivist approach in International Relations. Adler argues
that amidst the debate between rationalists and interpretivists, constructivism has emerged as a
significant middle ground. He contends that the core issue in this debate is not merely about science
versus literary interpretation but pertains to defining the nature of social science, particularly in the
discipline of International Relations. Adler emphasizes that constructivism offers a distinct
, perspective, rooted in social ontology and epistemology, which provides valuable insights into
understanding international reality.
Key terms (again):
Ontology: Ontology refers to the philosophical study of the nature of being, existence, and reality. In
constructivist terms, it pertains to the fundamental nature of social reality and the way in which it is
constructed through shared beliefs, values, and norms.
Epistemology: Epistemology deals with the study of knowledge, including its scope, nature, and
limits. In the context of constructivism, it refers to how knowledge is acquired and understood within
social contexts, emphasizing subjective interpretations and social constructions of knowledge.
Socio-Cognitive Factors: These factors encompass the social and cognitive elements that influence
human behavior and decision-making. In constructivism, socio-cognitive factors are crucial for
understanding how individuals and groups interpret and respond to the world around them, shaping
their actions and choices in international relations.
Middle Ground Approach: The term "middle ground" signifies constructivism's position between
rationalist perspectives, which focus on objective, measurable factors, and interpretive
epistemologies, which emphasize subjective interpretation and social constructs. Constructivism
seeks to bridge the gap between these approaches by integrating social ontology, epistemology, and
interpretive elements into the study of international relations.
Abstract :
International reality is socially constructed by cognitive structures that give meaning to the material
world.
But, argues that most of the epistemological, theoretical, empirical and methodological foundations
of constructivism remain unclear + not really appreciated for the understanding of IR.
� Wants to feel these gaps.
Says that Constructivism occupies the middle ground between rationalist approaches
(realists/liberals) and interpretive approaches (postmodernist, post-structuralist and critical).
� Creates new areas for theoretical and empirical investigations.
Introduction:
Debate in IR:
� Seek to explain international reality:
o Rationalists: focus on measurable facts.
o Interpretive epistemologies: focus on subjective interpretation.
o Constructivism : gain momentum bc offers a unique perspective.
But, there are challenges with constructivism:
Constructivism in World Politics
EMANUEL ADLER
Contents
Personal note :.......................................................................................................................................1
Personal note :.......................................................................................................................................1
Abstract :................................................................................................................................................2
Abstract :................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction:...........................................................................................................................................2
Introduction:...........................................................................................................................................2
Constructivism: The middle ground........................................................................................................3
Constructivism: The middle ground........................................................................................................3
Social epistemology and IR:....................................................................................................................5
Social epistemology and IR:....................................................................................................................5
Materialism and Idealism..................................................................................................................5
Materialism and Idealism..................................................................................................................5
Individual vs social origins of human action: Elster, Durkheim and Giddens.....................................6
Individual vs social origins of human action: Elster, Durkheim and Giddens.....................................6
Verstehen as Epistemology and as Reality........................................................................................7
Verstehen as Epistemology and as Reality........................................................................................7
Intersubjectivity.................................................................................................................................7
Intersubjectivity.................................................................................................................................7
Constructivism approach to science..................................................................................................8
Constructivism approach to science..................................................................................................8
Constructivism’s middle ground between rationalist and relativist international relations theories.....8
Constructivism’s middle ground between rationalist and relativist international relations theories.....8
Personal note :
Main thesis : revolves around the constructivist approach in International Relations. Adler argues
that amidst the debate between rationalists and interpretivists, constructivism has emerged as a
significant middle ground. He contends that the core issue in this debate is not merely about science
versus literary interpretation but pertains to defining the nature of social science, particularly in the
discipline of International Relations. Adler emphasizes that constructivism offers a distinct
, perspective, rooted in social ontology and epistemology, which provides valuable insights into
understanding international reality.
Key terms (again):
Ontology: Ontology refers to the philosophical study of the nature of being, existence, and reality. In
constructivist terms, it pertains to the fundamental nature of social reality and the way in which it is
constructed through shared beliefs, values, and norms.
Epistemology: Epistemology deals with the study of knowledge, including its scope, nature, and
limits. In the context of constructivism, it refers to how knowledge is acquired and understood within
social contexts, emphasizing subjective interpretations and social constructions of knowledge.
Socio-Cognitive Factors: These factors encompass the social and cognitive elements that influence
human behavior and decision-making. In constructivism, socio-cognitive factors are crucial for
understanding how individuals and groups interpret and respond to the world around them, shaping
their actions and choices in international relations.
Middle Ground Approach: The term "middle ground" signifies constructivism's position between
rationalist perspectives, which focus on objective, measurable factors, and interpretive
epistemologies, which emphasize subjective interpretation and social constructs. Constructivism
seeks to bridge the gap between these approaches by integrating social ontology, epistemology, and
interpretive elements into the study of international relations.
Abstract :
International reality is socially constructed by cognitive structures that give meaning to the material
world.
But, argues that most of the epistemological, theoretical, empirical and methodological foundations
of constructivism remain unclear + not really appreciated for the understanding of IR.
� Wants to feel these gaps.
Says that Constructivism occupies the middle ground between rationalist approaches
(realists/liberals) and interpretive approaches (postmodernist, post-structuralist and critical).
� Creates new areas for theoretical and empirical investigations.
Introduction:
Debate in IR:
� Seek to explain international reality:
o Rationalists: focus on measurable facts.
o Interpretive epistemologies: focus on subjective interpretation.
o Constructivism : gain momentum bc offers a unique perspective.
But, there are challenges with constructivism:
