Feminist Critiques of IR Theory 95eralism each have a more difficult time explaining the advent, spread, and real- world
impact of ideas and norms such as taboos against land mines or the “responsibility to
protect” (see Chapter 8). Thus, constructivism does not reduce to mere conversation
and blathery, but helps provide strong explanations of shifts in our understanding of
objects that have an impact on real human lives, just as realism, liberalism, and radi-
calism do.
But also like realism, liberalism, and radicalism, constructivism has its shortcom-
ings. Until recently, constructivism remained mainly a power ful tool of criticism rather
than a program capable of explaining outcomes in the real world. This situation is
changing, however. Throughout this textbook, examples of constructivist scholarship
will allow you to see this approach in use so that you can make your own judgments
concerning this crucial and still relatively new theoretical perspective.
feminist critiques of Ir theory
Feminists offer a variety of critiques of the four international relations theories. Many
of the critiques share core propositions. Chief among them is the proposition that the
world would be a better place— more just, more peaceful, more prosperous—if women
were given more space to define, describe, and lead in domestic and international affairs
(these being linked in most feminist IR theory). Thus, both realist and liberal feminists
Theo Ry In BRIeF ConsTRuCTIvIsm
Key a CToRs People, elites, culturesvI ew oF The IndIvIdual Key component in creation of meaning; bound by education, socialization, and culturevI ew oF The sTaTe An artifact whose significance is socially constructed through discoursevI ew oF The InTeRnaTIonal
sysTemAn artifact whose significance is socially constructed
through discourseBel IeFs aBouT Change Pos^ [peace] is what we make of it”^ si^ ble by means of discourse: “[anarchy] [war]m ajoR TheoRIsTs Foucault, Derrida, Kratochwil, Hopf, Wendt