ISFRPOL - A53

The Rohingya Crisis

Understanding the Rohingya Ethnic
Cleansing through the lenses of
Conventional Constructivism

by Ralph Michael Gabriel

Flow of Presenation
1.) Introduction

2.) Theoretical Framework

3.) Case Presentation

4.) Theoretical Analysis

5.) Conclusion
Theoretical Framework
Origin - Constructivism
Constructivism in International
Relations (IR) emerged in the late
20th century as a response to
traditional theories such as realism
and liberalism. While realists
focused on state power and security,
and liberals on institutions and
cooperation, constructivists argued
that international relations are
socially constructed and shaped by
ideas, norms, and identities.
Conventional
Constructivism
Conventional Constructivism, in the
context of international relations,
extends the constructivist framework
by emphasizing the role of
conventional ideas, social interactions,
and shared meanings. It incorporates
concepts such as the importance of
norms, identities, and the power of
discourse in shaping state behavior.
 Application: Rohingya Crisis

Identity & Norms Religion & Governmemt

The ideologies within
The crisis involves a
Myanmar, including
clash of norms
nationalist sentiments and
regarding citizenship,
historical narratives,
belonging, and the
influence the government's
rights of minority groups.
policies and actions
towards the Rohingya
population.
Case Presentation
What is Rohingya Crisis?
The Rohingya Crisis refers to the
ongoing humanitarian and human
rights crisis involving the Rohingya
Muslim minority in Myanmar. The
Rohingya people have faced
persecution, discrimination, and
violence, leading to forced
displacement and refugee flows to
neighboring countries.
Case Presentation
When did it started?

The Rohingya Crisis

escalated significantly in
August 2017 when violence
erupted in Myanmar's
Rakhine State. The Myanmar
military launched a
crackdown in response to
attacks by Rohingya
insurgents on security forces.
Case Presentation
Why is it happening?

The Rohingya Crisis has deep

historical roots, with the Rohingya
minority facing discrimination and
marginalization in Myanmar for
decades. The Myanmar government
has long denied the Rohingya
citizenship and subjected them to
restrictions, contributing to their
statelessness.
 Case Presentation
What is the current situation?

In 2022 until this date, the Rohingya

Crisis remains a significant humanitarian
challenge. Hundreds of thousands of
Rohingya refugees continue to live in
overcrowded camps in Bangladesh, with
limited access to basic services. Efforts
to repatriate the Rohingya to Myanmar
have faced obstacles, including
concerns about the safety and rights of
the returnees.
Theoretical Analysis
According to conventional constructivism,
state behavior is heavily impacted by
ideational elements like identity. Social
identities and common ideals shape a
state's international behavior. Myanmar's
Rohingya treatment follows constructivism's
identity and norms concentration. The
government's citizenship denial and
Rohingya marginalization stem from a
historical identity construction that
excludes them from the national narrative.
Thus, Rohingya persecution reflects
Myanmar's political and cultural norms.
 Conclusion
Conventional Constructivism provides a
theoretical lens to analyze the
Rohingya Crisis by emphasizing the
socially constructed nature of identities,
the influence of prevailing norms, and
the role of religion. This framework
suggests that addressing the crisis
requires an understanding of the deeply
rooted ideas and norms shaping state
behavior, emphasizing the importance
of identity, normative considerations,
and religious dimensions in the analysis
of the Rohingya Crisis.
 ISFRPOL - A53

The Rohingya Crisis

Understanding the Rohingya Ethnic
Cleansing through the lenses of
Conventional Constructivism

by Ralph Michael Gabriel