8. The Promise of Constructivism in Politics

This chapter delves into the promise of constructivism in politics, arguing that political institutions gain their normative authority from constructed principles that address specific societal problems. It explores the concept of performance legitimacy, highlighting its significance in both democratic and non-democratic contexts. The chapter also discusses the role of critical infrastructure in maintaining political legitimacy and the importance of addressing issues such as accountability, social trust, and recognition in transitional justice. Additionally, it examines the challenges posed by global problems that outstrip the decision-making capacities of any one country, emphasizing the need for global coordination and the potential of constructivism in analyzing the performance legitimacy of political institutions.