POLSCI 2MN3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Candu Reactor, Human Nature, Wags
1 Feb 2020
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Document Summary
Rise of constructivism: end of the cold war and the failure of the traditional theories (realism/idealism) to predict this dramatic change in ir. Looking at leaders, powerful citizens power to shape and reshape ir through their actions and interactions. Basic ideas: the world is socially constructed, relies on notion that meanings are formed in coordination with others rather than individually, contrast brute physical facts (ex. Identities and interests: people have multiple identities. Act differently at home than at work: canada"s identities could include peacekeeper, ally, aid donor, immigrant nation . Issues often arise when identities conflict (canada as a peacekeeper/nuclear non- proliferation advocate with canada as a seller of candu nuclear reactors) Social norms: standard of appropriate behavior of actors in a given identity, how norms define states interests, states that see themselves as certain identity expected to act in compliance with that identity. Actors behavior in anarchy: increase power to ensure survival.
