Social Theory of International Politics

ISBN-13: 9780521469609 / Angielski / Miękka / 1999 / 447 str.

Alexander Wendt

Opis

Drawing on philosophy and social theory, Social Theory of International Politics develops a cultural theory of international politics that contrasts with the realist mainstream. Wendt argues that states can view each other as enemies, rivals, or friends. He characterizes these roles as "cultures of anarchy," which are shared ideas that help shape states' interests and capabilities. These cultures can change over time as ideas change. Wendt thus argues that the nature of international politics is not fixed, and that the international system is not condemned to conflict and war.

Recenzje

'This is the most academic of these books … it has caused a stir in its field and may be the most important … Many previous theorists have ignored social factors and rejected the idea of international society, preferring to see the world as an 'anarchy' of states operating without moral or social restraint. But even anarchy, argues Mr Wendt, is a social construct - and anything which is the product of our ideas can be changed, if we want to change it strongly enough.' Economist

Spis treści

Acknowledgements; 1. Four sociologies of international politics; Part I. Social Theory: 2. Scientific realism and social kinds; 3. 'Ideas all the way down?': on the constitution of power and interest; 4. Structure, agency and culture; Part II. International Politics: 5. The state and the problem of corporate agency; 6. Three cultures of anarchy; 7. Process and structural change; 8. Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.