Constructivism as a main IR theory

Constructivism is considered one of the three main schools of thought in IR theory, but it is also the weakest of the three. The reason for this is because it is seen as a repetition of long-standing sociological theories simply applied to IR and also because it cannot predict the future actions of states nor the future configuration of the international system. In my opinion, however, I think this theory is the strongest because the world is not as black and white as the realists break it down to be.

As we mentioned in class on the first day, IR theory can be used as a tool to understand international relations, as a critique in examining how situations came about and what can be done to make things better in the future, and as an everyday practice. Constructivism satisfies all three of these conditions. It is a framework for understanding the current international system of states, and it can explain how that system came about. Although it does not make predictions for the future, it allows policy makers to make better decisions for the future based upon past experiences and learned social conventions. Constructivist theory is most of all an everyday practice. In essence, the theory focuses on current contextual situations, which change constantly -- everyday. This reasoning should go to support constructivism as an equal theoretical concept to liberalism and realism.