Constructivist Analysis of Psychological Mapping in the Context of International Relations

Psychological Mapping can be used as a broad term referring to coherent and precise attributes of an individual, group or national identity. Realism states that there is basic conflict among states while Liberalism supports the notion of cooperative International Arrangement.  Realism as well as Liberalism adopt an objective approach while Constructivism contends that reality is inter-subjective and is constructed by interactions of actors and institutions. It gives lot of scope to an agency to shape and mold reality within the constraints of structural attributes. Psychology becomes important as Constructivism gives great importance to emotional aspects. The interaction between the real world and the virtual world in the era of the information revolution has lot to do with the propagation of hatred. There is suspicion as well as hope in International Relations. This aspect of psychological malleability is important in understanding the dynamics of International Relations. Constructivism creatively engages with the role of endogenous groups whose psychological attributes are important in understanding their viewpoints. The contemporary scenario of risk generated through weapons can be properly analyzed by understanding aspects of fear. The environmental challenges too pose a great risk to human existence and it can be properly evaluated only through the concept of collective responsibility, empathy, and sympathy.

Keywords:
Psychological Mapping, Constructivism, Tragedy of Commons, Symbolic Crystallization, Structuration. Psychological Deflection.