WORLD WE DARE TO IMAGINE

EXCERPT from The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz

"Today we are redefining the geography of community and accepting shared accountability for common human values. We have the chance to extend the notion that all men are created equal to every human being on the planet. This will require global structures and products we are only beginning to imagine.... Each of us in his or her own way can contribute something by thinking -- and acting -- like a true global citizen. We have only one world for all of us on earth, and the future really is ours to create, in a world we dare to imagine together."

This passage deeply resonates with me as I delve into the intricacies of the human mind and the explanations within social constructivism, regarding human ideologies and beliefs. In my international relations course I made a presentation on the constructivist theory within the realm of international relations, particularly focusing on the perspective of Alexander Wendt. Throughout my research, I was captivated by the paradoxical nature of human behavior—on one hand, fostering cooperation and interconnectedness through entities like the UN, while on the other hand, perpetuating hate, destruction, and conflict. Are our beliefs, religions, ideas, norms, and knowledge not central to human endeavors? It seems we often assume an inherent human inclination toward preserving power, maintaining military strength, and controlling resources and economic dominance.

Exploring how states behave, both at home and abroad, shows how they often prioritize power over everything else. Those in charge often see people as tools to fulfill their own desires, ignoring ethics to gain more wealth. Constructivism helps us understand why this happens. By looking at the social norms that support these power dynamics, constructivism shows us a way to change things. 

Instead of accepting how things are, it prompts us to rethink our desire for power and aim for better goals. By promoting equality and shared values, we can start to break down the systems that keep so many people in irreparable disadvantages. Constructivism gives us a plan to reshape our beliefs and put everyone's well-being first. By challenging old ideas and pushing for fairness, we can build a world where cooperation and respect are the norm, leaving behind the dark history of injustice and violence we all know so well.  

For those who haven't taken IR classes here's a summary of constructivism in the international level and the theoretical approach to what we could contribute to creating a global citizenship. 

Constructivism helps to integrate the reasons behind factors such as knowledge, identity, belief, and desire, offering unique insights into the interests and intentions of states and other actors. To understand political ambitions and intentions, one must analyze how actors interpret and internalize the norms and values of their social environment. Within the nuances of sociological institutionalism, states can behave in an appropriate manner, not by what they will get out of the decisions but is the right thing to do in the given situation. These actions reinforce beliefs and influence the wider societal atmosphere, impacting values and decision-making globally

Creating a strong societal foundation based on equality and the sharing of knowledge and beliefs can lead to better governance within institutions and among state actors. I believe that by prioritizing human values and recognizing the importance of human civilization beyond material needs, we can foster a more just society. We must challenge the pervasive greed in politics and relearn the fundamental truth of our interconnectedness. No person should ever feel excluded or discriminated against based on their culture, religion, or skin color. Hatred must be actively unlearned. It's our responsibility to educate and guide the next generation, fostering environments that promote love and compassion, and instilling the understanding that we are all global citizens, connected by our shared humanity.