Constructivism, Part II

 

Constructivism is a theory of conflict based on the assumptions that ideas change over time.


Ideas can change not just about who could possibly be an enemy, but also about conflict itself.


The phrase the war to end all wars came became popular when describing World War I. It was spoken by those who experienced the horrors of the war.


They thought that there must be some other way to solve our conflicts besides war.


The war was such a terrible experience. There must be another way, some way, any way that didn't involve war. And they are right. Wars can be avoided if we can find better ways to solve our problems.


An increasing number of people understand the fact that war is horrific and terrible. It's simply a bad idea. So they oppose it. When fewer people think war is a good idea, fewer wars happen. And humanity solves its problems in more humane ways. Ideas change. Bad ideas are no longer chosen.


Something similar happened with the practice of dueling. It was a terrible idea; two men in conflict would face back-to-back, take ten steps, turn around, and shoot each other. 200 years ago it was seen as acceptable. But now we have better ways to solve conflicts, so thankfully nobody duels anymore. Dueling is a practice that has been relegated to the dustbin of history's bad ideas.


Constructivist theorists assume that someday we could relegate war to the dustbin of history's bad ideas.


Mennonites knew this hundreds of years ago.

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