ABSTRACT
How do states develop the ‘long-term habit’ of interacting and managing disputes with others peacefully? The Deutschian framework explained this puzzle by focusing on transaction flows, the spread of transnational values, the development of shared understandings, and the generation of mutual trust.1 Interactions between states (as well as interaction between social groups) can lead to greater mutual interdependence and responsiveness, including ‘discovery of new interests’ and recognition of collective identities that would progressively render war illegitimate as a means of problem solving.2 Constructivist theory offers a range of new insights by further developing and refining the Deutschian framework (which had been criticised for an excessive preoccupation with measuring transactions). The main contribution of constructivism includes its insights into the interplay of institutions, norms and identities that goes into the social construction of security communities.
