ABSTRACT
Constructivism is a central approach for understanding international relations (IR), international organizations (IOs), and global governance. This chapter outlines the emergence and basic tenets of constructivist thought before detailing current debates over how and when ideas matter. A constructivist perspective, based on norms, culture, and identity counterposes rationalist theoretical accounts of change within international relations. Regulative norms lead to norm following behavior such as agreeing to adhere to UN treaties and protocols or to act in accordance with how the World Bank classifies states as developed or developing. The chapter explores key criticisms of the constructivist literature and details how constructivist insights are being used: Not only to highlight the role of IOs in classifying and categorizing the world but also in midrange theorizing alongside rationalist approaches to explain how norms advanced by IOs and states intersect with material interests to create new categories of action.
