Second, the two social movements are a useful metaphor for thinking about the construction of constructivism within IR. Constructivists, broadly defined, have shared a critique of the static material assumptions of traditional IR theory. They have emphasized the social dimensions of international relations and the possibility of change. They have, however, differed in their approach. Some have been more conscious of their broader audience and have shaped their critique in that would open a space for dialogue with mainstream scholars. Others have been more hard hitting in stating the problem and more far reaching in their critique. The two together have shaped the place of constructivism in IR. The main point-and, I might add, a very constructivist point-is that academic debate, no less than political, emerges in historically and culturally specific circumstances.