Constructivism and International Relations - Alexander Wendt and his Critics (Hardcover)

Constructivism is one of the three most influential schools of international relations theory. Alexander Wendt is one of the main proponents of constructivism and arguably the leading American constructivist. Wendt challenges popular assumptions about states and the states system to demonstrate that the international system is socially constructed, arguing that identities, norms, and culture play important roles in world politics. His articles and book Social Theory of International Politics (CUP, 1999) have attracted widespread praise and are widely studied on international relations courses throughout the US, Europe and rest of the world. This volume addresses both Wendt's social theory and international relations theory, exploring a variety of constructivist debates without reducing constructivism to one single position. The editors begin with a general introduction and chapter that provides an accessible summary of Wendt's theory and the first generation of debates. theorists to focus on the specific issues in the meta-theoretical and theoretical challenges posed by his work and constructivism more generally. Finally the book concludes the book with a detailed response to the issues and questions raised. Describing the most important debates within constructivism, this book shows the way to new and different directions about how to study the topic. It will be a necessary companion to Wendt's book for students and researchers seeking a better understanding of his work and also offers one of the most up-to-date collections on constructivist theorizing.