ANARCHY is what states make of it (A. Wendt)

Summary

Alexander Wendt's article 'Anarchy is What States Make of It' explores constructivism in international relations, contrasting it with realism and liberalism. Wendt argues that the principles of self-help and power politics arise from state interactions, not from a fixed anarchic structure. He emphasizes the role of collective meanings in shaping state identities and interests, citing the post-Cold War uncertainty experienced by the USA and USSR. Wendt discusses the evolution of sovereignty as a social construct dependent on mutual recognition among states, asserting that states continuously construct and reconstruct their identities through practices that influence the international system.

Takeaways

• 📚 Wendt's article argues that anarchy in international relations is shaped by states' actions and interactions rather than a predetermined structure.
• 🔍 Constructivism differs from realism and liberalism, emphasizing social processes over fixed power dynamics.
• 🌍 The principles of self-help and power politics arise from states' continuous practices, not an inherent anarchic system.
• ❓ Wendt critiques realism, specifically Kenneth Waltz's views, for failing to explain the complexities of state relationships.
• 🤝 Collective meanings influence how states define their identities and interests, differentiating between friends and foes.
• 📉 The end of the Cold War led to uncertainty for the USA and USSR, as their identities were closely tied to mutual threat.
• 🏛️ Sovereignty is a social construct requiring mutual recognition among states; neglecting this can lead to identity crises.
• 🔄 Changes in state identities and interests can occur through cooperation or internal reform, as seen in post-WWII Europe and Gorbachev's policies.
• 🔗 Unilateral changes in state behavior must be reciprocated by others to align with established international practices.
• 🌱 Wendt emphasizes that states are in a constant process of construction and reconstruction of their identities within the international system.

Q & A

What is the central argument of Wendt's article?

Wendt argues that the principles of self-help and power politics in international relations are not predetermined by an anarchic structure but are socially constructed through the practices and interactions between states.

How does constructivism differ from realism and liberalism?

Constructivism differs by emphasizing the role of social processes in shaping state behavior and identities, whereas realism and liberalism rely on fixed principles and structures that dictate state actions.

Why does Wendt criticize Kenneth Waltz's definition of international structure?

Wendt believes that Waltz's definition does not adequately explain or predict the relationships between states, such as whether they will act as friends or foes.

What role do collective meanings play in state interactions according to Wendt?

Collective meanings shape how states perceive each other, leading them to act differently towards enemies compared to friends, thereby influencing their identities and interests.

How does Wendt define sovereignty?

Wendt defines sovereignty as a social construct that relies on mutual recognition among states to exercise exclusive political authority within territorial limits.

What historical examples does Wendt provide to illustrate the consequences of neglecting sovereignty?

Wendt references the fates of Napoleon and Hitler to illustrate what happens when a state disregards the sovereignty of others, leading to significant political repercussions.

What changes in state identities and interests does Wendt discuss after the Cold War?

Wendt discusses how the end of the Cold War left the U.S. and the USSR uncertain about their identities and interests, as the mutual threat that defined their relationship had dissipated.

What examples does Wendt give of successful cooperation among states?

Wendt points to the cooperation of Western European states after World War II as an example of how collaborative efforts can effectively prevent wars.

Why does Wendt believe unilateral changes in state behavior are unlikely to succeed?

Wendt argues that unilateral changes cannot be effectively implemented within established international practices unless they are reciprocated by other states.

What is the significance of Wendt's contributions to the field of international relations?

Wendt’s contributions challenge traditional theories by highlighting the dynamic and social nature of state identities and relationships, emphasizing that international relations are continually constructed and reconstructed.