Introduction to International Relations - Theories of Constructivism

This discussion of Constructivism is the culmination of the first part of my Intro to IR class taught at Rutgers University in 2015. It brings a five to six-week segment of comparative theory to an end before the Midterm review.

Topics include a discussion of the basic ideas of Constructivism, a comparison between Balance of Power and Balance of Threat, a consideration that states can employ a number of types of foreign policies simultaneously depending on the country in question, and a consideration of "Wilsonian Realism", which is a type of hybridized foreign policy of Liberalism and Realism that works together to create a considerably belligerent and aggressive foreign policy in the name of democracy, liberty, and freedom.

Lecture 07: Contemporary International Studies

Part IV: Theories of Constructivism.

Dr. Michael Rossi

Department of Political Science
Rutgers University
October 7, 2015

Chapter Markers:

00:25 - Theories of Constructivism
07:41 - Constructivism and State "Identity"
13:15 - Anarchy as an "Imagined Community"
17:35 - Balance of Power vs. Balance of Threat
23:20 - Constructivism as a Modifier to a Theory?
24:25 - "Wilsonian Realism"

[nanaaikins]

You are such a brilliant educator. I'm studying at the University of Cape Town and I'm in a 3rd year IR class and my lecturer explained constructivism in such a terrible way. You cleared things up for me so much and you're an absolute joy to listen to!

[RatherCrunchyMuffin]

I had him as a professor when I was an undergraduate. One of my favorite lecturers

[ranaabuatta]

You are such an amazing professor, our lecturer explained these theories so vaguely it was impossible to understand, thank you for all the examples, really helpful, absolute pleasure watching you teach!

[angelaodah]

Thank you for unpacking Constructivism, your explanation and the examples from current international politics, make the theory relatable and easy to grasp.

[namfukwe]

Wow, thank you for this lecture. I have an exam tomorrow and I think this has helped me to understand Constructivism better than I did before.

[jaymaniyar]

The opening music makes it appear like we're going to war and not just studying IR.

[damolatony]

SIR YOU RE THE BEST, BEEN FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND CONSTUCTISIM YOU JUST BROKE IT DOWN LIKE ABC

[vybui]

You give so many examples which makes it easier to understand. Thank you

[Simon-dxni]

Hi I found your explanations and lecture very helpful and interesting. I’m studying History and IR at the University of Dundee in Scotland and your video from the other side of the world was significantly better and more helpful than any of the resources or lectures I had been given so I’m grateful to you for uploading this 👍

[efyouseekaywhyoweyou]

This was so useful, thank you so much. Really professionally done and insightful on the subject. The key points written out really work in my opinion.

[katiew]

thank you SO much! you are the only person who managed to explain this subject to me. i was completely lost otherwise.

[audric]

he thinks outside of the box, so much better explanation

[dingfang]

This is brilliant!The way you clear all the messy concepts up is very enlightening-a student from Tokyo university

[chingneihlamzou]

Very helpful, thank you
and this goes back to the time when coughing was not a threat...miss those times..
Stay safe everyone 🤗

[Bandi]

This is brill. I am using this info for my essay on security. Thanks 😊

[PamelaDFrank]

Super helpful & engaging; the reading we were assigned was impossible, I'm so thankful to have found you! You've got a new subscriber in me! I look forward to learning more from you, thank you so much for sharing with those of us that can't get to you (I'm stationed overseas, dependent on online coursework.) Thanks again!

[jockesoderstrom]

Thank you so much for this lecture. Best regards from Sweden and Linnaeus University

[lillykhan]

I don't know how to thank you sir. You're an extraordinary teacher 👍

[cactusberk]

Thank you, sir, this lecture is so informative. It's all clear about constructivism in my head now.

[harish.s]

fascinating lecture.kindly clarify the difference between constructivism and post modernism.