Social Theory of International Politics

Front Cover
Cambridge University Press, Oct 7, 1999 - Political Science - 429 pages
Drawing upon philosophy and social theory, Social Theory of International Politics develops a theory of the international system as a social construction. Alexander Wendt clarifies the central claims of the constructivist approach, presenting a structural and idealist worldview which contrasts with the individualism and materialism which underpins much mainstream international relations theory. He builds a cultural theory of international politics, which takes whether states view each other as enemies, rivals or friends as a fundamental determinant. Wendt characterises these roles as 'cultures of anarchy', described as Hobbesian, Lockean and Kantian respectively. These cultures are shared ideas which help shape state interests and capabilities, and generate tendencies in the international system. The book describes four factors which can drive structural change from one culture to another - interdependence, common fate, homogenization, and self-restraint - and examines the effects of capitalism and democracy in the emergence of a Kantian culture in the West. -- Publisher description.
 

Contents

II
1
III
5
IV
20
V
38
VI
43
VII
45
VIII
49
IX
62
XXIV
191
XXV
196
XXVI
213
XXVII
222
XXVIII
231
XXIX
241
XXX
244
XXXI
249

X
65
XI
75
XII
81
XIII
88
XIV
90
XV
94
XVI
111
XVII
133
XVIII
137
XIX
143
XX
163
XXI
182
XXII
187
XXIII
189
XXXII
257
XXXIII
277
XXXIV
295
XXXV
306
XXXVI
311
XXXVII
316
XXXVIII
334
XXXIX
341
XL
364
XLI
368
XLII
377
XLIII
418
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