Social Constructivism and Malaysia’s International Relations

Uncertain changing global political and economic environment demands much of nations around the world to be prepared to deal with many unwelcome but related transnational issues. Although the global transformation has had negative impacts, it has provided impetus for states to be more cooperative within their regional areas, insofar as they wish to deal with common issues and avoid interference from external actors. In this case theory is important. Theory created to act as a tool to better understand international phenomena has also transformed and expanded. The primary established theories regarding how international relations work, such as realism and neorealism, have focused on power, national interests and international system, in explaining states’ behaviour. In the 1990s, this view has been challenged by a newly emerging approach called social constructivism, which attempts to provide an alternative theory focusing on ideas, norms, language, identity, culture and religion. More importantly, it attempts to define international political governance, construction of identity, and national interest, in such a way as to transform our views of these concepts. This article argues that the action of a small state like Malaysia, being a member of several multilateral institutions, e.g., the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), and Commonwealth, can be better understood by analysing it from a constructivism perspective. Tracing the history of Malaysia’s international relations, the article concludes that Malaysia’s identity as an Islamic State has become foundational in directing its foreign policies and its involvement in multilateral international organisations.