In terms of international relations, what is a key characteristic of the constructivism theory?

Constructivism in international relations is characterized by its emphasis on social constructs, identities, norms, and ideas that shape the behaviors and interests of states and other actors in the international system. Unlike theories that prioritize material factors, like military or economic power, constructivism argues that the social environment, including shared beliefs and collective understandings, plays a crucial role in determining how states operate and interact.

This perspective highlights that the identities and interests of actors are not fixed or inherent but are socially constructed through interactions, discourse, and cultural contexts. Constructivists analyze how these norms and social frameworks influence international politics, the formation of policies, and state behavior. For example, the way states define their relationships with each other, including issues of security, cooperation, and conflict, is influenced by prevailing ideas and social structures.

In contrast to the option reflecting a focus solely on military power, constructivism broadens the scope of analysis to include ideational factors alongside material ones. The notion that states are the only significant actors does not capture the complexity that constructivism acknowledges, which includes non-state actors like international organizations and NGOs. Lastly, while economic factors are certainly important, constructivism does not prioritize them over political ones; instead, it advocates for an