Understanding Imam Ali (AS)'s statesmanship solely through classical theories of Realism and Liberalism, which primarily focus on material interests and instrumental rationality, is insufficient. This article, utilizing Constructivist theory and Alexander Wendt's "social action" framework, aims to analyze Imam Ali (AS)'s political agency within an identity-based, meaning-oriented, and normative paradigm. The main research question is: How can Alawi politics be explained within the conceptual framework of Constructivism? The central hypothesis is that Imam Ali (AS)'s political behavior stems from a religious identity, divine meanings, and internalized norms that align with Constructivist theory. Within this framework, the Imam's politics is not merely an instrument of power, but rather a manifestation of a divine mission rooted in justice, tolerance, and responsibility.
Behavioral instances of Imam Ali (AS) in confronting the Kharijites, the Battle of Jamal, and the Battle of Siffin are analyzed in relation to the concepts of identity, norms, and meaning. These instances are also linked to theories such as security culture (Katzenstein) and normative learning (Adler). The findings indicate that Alawi politics possesses a distinct logic from Realist rationality, one that is based on ethics, dialogue, and spiritual legitimacy.