Session 17: Wendt's Constructivism

Alexander Wendt’s “Social Theory of International Relations is a re-evaluation of Kenneth Waltz’s Theory of International Politics. Wendt shows regard for Waltz’s work by pointing out the similarity between the legend’s work and his own. He reflects on their common interest in the working of the international political system as opposed to policy formation. In addition, they both show interest in the development of systemic and not reductionist theory. However, Wendt disagrees with Waltz’s assumption that the International system experiences a considerable degree of interaction which allows him to develop an alternative theory.

According to Wendt, the political units are in essence unitary actors and the realist qualities associated with these actors are socially constructed. He also talks about how individuals are dependent on their societies and these societies than lend individuals their identity which also makes individual identities socially constructed. As a response to the argument that political units and systemic levels can be separated, he responds with the idea that the growth of interdependence is leading to a vertical increase in hierarchy and lateral increase in anarchy. Both the themes being central to the realist thought.

However, Wendt has been criticised, even from within the realist school that he does not consider an important realist issue of uncertainty. Dale Copeland, a realist, in his piece called “The Constructivist Challenge to Structural Realism” disapproves Wendt’s work for overlooking this issue*. In addition, Wendt himself refers to his theory as a “thin” form of constructivism as it camouflages certain neorealist perspectives and undertakes a scientific means of approach.

*This information has been taken from Wikipedia.