Theories of International Relations such as Realism and Liberalism have aimed at furthering their influencing throughout the discourse of political science. These two dominant theories characterize the features of states as being anarchic, a concept central to the establishment of both theories as a way of paving a state’s foreign policy decisions. Realism discusses the possibility of the structure affecting the agent, which in turn aids in the functioning of a state’s world affairs and influences their decisions. Liberalism introduces the possibility of peace at the cost of institutionalism, as the anarchic structure of international system can only be controlled by institutions.
Alexander Wendt, an esteemed political scientist of the modern era, aims at highlighting the at providing his readers with a critical analysis of International politics through the lens of social interactions playing a vital role in constructing world politics and affairs. This lens takes the form of 'Social Constructivism', covered by Wendt in his book, 'Social Theory of International Relations'. Furthermore, Wendt aims at criticizing realism and liberalism for having too much of an individualistic structure, rather than one which would involve ideational and material structures. He stresses the importance of ideas in constructing international relational theories, claiming that no other theory provides a framework where the structure and the system could be changed.
Realism and Liberalism both believe that the anarchic international system is the root cause of wars and conflict, and either this conflict can not be controlled, and even if it can, only through external factors such as institutions. Both theories eradicated the possibility of ever being able to change and restructure the system, a major flaw to the two most influential and superior theories. This is where Wendt's work becomes useful. He believes that there exists a possibility to mold the structure of the international system, but this can be achieved if the state is the main agent in this process, another concept dismissed by realist and liberal theorists.
What is most interesting about Wendt's work is that he does not completely dismiss other theories as being misleading, rather, he agrees that that they manage to explain what interests a state have and how to go about a states foreign political structure. What these theories do not account for is that these interests did not just exist, but were socially constructed, working hand in hand with Wendt's social theory.
I do agree with you and that is also one of the reasons I enjoyed reading Wendt today. He doesn't completely reject other theories of International Relations. In fact he has also acknowledged the contributions that they have made to International Politics. After discussing the other alternative theories, he then proposes a better theory which is is his "social theory."
ReplyDeleteOne thinks that Wendt's most notable contribution in this piece is that he broadens the thinking of his readers to new directions and gives a possibility to think out of the realist-liberal dichotomy. The author has correctly identified that he does not disregard other theories, but substantiate them to real effects.
ReplyDeleteIll be echoing what Ali just said but yes although Wendt puts forward his views for example on state centrism and such, he also talks about how there might be other non-state factors that play an important part in shaping international Systems. He also tries to differentiate between constructivism and other ideologies while showing why constructivism is better.
ReplyDeleteI agree that constructivism provides a good alternative point of view to the typical ideas presented by realism and thus gives a new understanding of how the international system operates.
ReplyDeleteOkay post and interesting comments. I will note that Wendt does not say his theory is the end all be all of IR theorizing; rather, he is providing room to allow ideas into the fore.
ReplyDelete