Throughout the semester I've been trying to get a better handle on constructivism. While I still struggle to define the term, it's become easier to identify it in action in international events. I was recently listening to a Worldview interview on NPR and heard a great relevant example of constructivism.
The host was interviewing Mustafa Nayeem, a member of Ukrainian Parliament, former-journalist, and one of the leaders of the Ukrainian Revolution in 2013-14. In the interview, Mr. Nayeem discusses how Ukrainian "mythology", or ideology, has influenced the actions of the country to date and that Ukraine is in the process of going through an identity change. Prior to the revolution, Mr. Nayeem says that "Ukrainians had a history problem. (They) internalized a history of betrayal, suffering, and failure." This identity was responsible for disunity among Ukrainians and Mr. Nayeem hints that it is because of this identity that Ukrainians have continued to find themselves a repressed state (particularly by the Russians).
Mr. Nayeem goes on to say that Ukrainians need to start to mythologizing hope. There are a lot of positives happening in the country but it has not been in Ukrainian nature to talk about it. There are signs this is starting to happen and Ukrainians are starting to believe they can succeed. The revolution is a result of this shift in identity. Throughout the discussion Mr. Nayeem goes on to reinforce that when Ukrainians really come to believe that they can succeed, then Russia won't be able to continue to divide the country along ethnic lines. By changing their identity, Ukrainians will successfully be able to become a truly united and independent state.
Looking at the interview with Mr. Nayeem from a constructivist point of view, it is clear that identity has been key in the situation in Ukraine. Their identity to date has led them to being stuck in a revolving door of suffering and oppression, particularly at the hands of Russia. The identity has reinforced disunity among the people and made breaking from Russia very difficult. However, identity is also going to play a pivotal role in helping Ukraine realize its dream of being a free and independent state. By continuing to change the nations identity and take on a much more positive view of self, Ukrainians will be able to overcome their past and build a new and brighter future.
Source: https://www.wbez.org/shows/worldview-podcast/discussing-state-violence-and-social-movements-with-mustafa-nayyem-catalyst-of-ukraines-maidan-revolution/cba4e595-381d-41f1-83b6-355b91e7212b
Constructivism is harder to wrap your head around, and something I still try to learn more about. I think that its hard to understand as it has more recently spread through scholarly articles, journals, and discussions such as NPR. In fact, it was not taught in my political theory classes for my previous degree. When looking at Ukraine, I think it will be interesting to see what type of role the country takes in the global sphere. This will take time, as they currently are going through an identity change, but in the next 10-20 years I will keep my eyes on Ukraine.
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