CONSTRUCTIVIST SCHOOL IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND SECURITY STUDIES

Abstract

Before the advent of Constructivism, the conventional theories enjoyed some form of intellectual monopoly in the eld of international relations sometimes aggravating to some form of intellectual arrogance, borne out of the assurance of the truth and validity of their grand theorems and aided by the explanatory power of the sciences. Constructivism on the other hand came in a subtle manner to reveal the inherent aws and structural deciencies contained within those dominant theories. Indeed, it has been said by many scholars that no theory is complete in itself, and there is always room for revision and expansion. This critical launch on Realism, Liberalism, and to some extent, Marxism (together regarded as the conventional theories), was quite necessary in order to inject some form of intellectual vigour to the eld of International Relations and Security Studies that were gradually becoming rigid and comatose as a result of the somewhat subtle perceptions of the impeccability of the conventional grand theories. Adopting a historical and analytic approach, this paper attempts to unravel the unique role of the Constructivist School in the reassessment and understanding of international relations and it's sub discipline, Security Studies. The paper also illustrates some of the contributions of constructivism to the policy formulation of States and International Bodies.