We can observe that the question about how the international realm is structured and about how anarchy works receives growing importance with recent events. While showing the theoretical approaches of the two named IR schools, it is important to keep in mind that this topic is very close and mutually connected to latest political developments as the Brexit or the new US-President who attempt to renew the international order.
At first, this essay will embed the theories in a historical background and their origins. Constructivism is not only a theory in international relations. It’s a big school of thought with a huge number of subcategories and different manifestations. Especially the end of the cold war and the fact that the scholars in IR who were following the big theories like realism or idealism failed to predict this end, opened the door for the development of a new theory in IR. Alexander Wendt applied the theory of a socially constructed world to the subject of international relations.
The main interest of a state, to seek survival, don’t change from a realist to a neo-realist point of view. For realists, the condition of flawed man in the status of human nature explains why cooperation is never guaranteed and states must increase their power consequently. In contrast to that human nature don’t play a role in the neo-realist theory, for (neo)realists, international anarchy describes the social relations among sovereign nation-states that causally explain why wars occur.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Theoretical Framework
- Definition: Anarchy
- Structure of the international realm in Constructivism
- Basics of Constructivism
- Alexander Wendt's Constructivism
- Structure of the international realm in Neo-Realism
- Basics of (Neo-)Realism
- Kenneth Waltz's Realism
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the nature of anarchy in the international system, examining whether it is a constant or a variable. It does so by analyzing the perspectives of constructivism and neo-realism, focusing on the contributions of Alexander Wendt and Kenneth Waltz.
- The definition and implications of anarchy in international relations.
- The constructivist perspective on the social construction of the international system.
- The neo-realist perspective on the structure and constraints of the international system.
- The contrasting views of Wendt and Waltz on the changeability of anarchy.
- The relevance of these theoretical approaches to contemporary international political events.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by referencing Stewart Patrick's observation on the hierarchical nature of international politics despite the proliferation of international institutions. It introduces the central question of the essay: whether anarchy is a constant or a variable. The chapter connects this question to current political events, such as Brexit and the changing international order under new US leadership, highlighting the timeliness and relevance of the theoretical discussion.
Theoretical Framework: This chapter lays out the theoretical framework used to analyze the nature of anarchy. It explains the intent to examine how constructivism and neo-realism conceptualize the architecture of anarchy and the international system. A crucial first step is clarifying the meaning of "anarchy" itself, drawing from definitions in scholarly literature and dictionaries, emphasizing the absence of a governing authority above the nation-state in the international system.
2.2 Structure of the international realm in Constructivism: This section delves into the basics of constructivism, highlighting its critique of rationalist approaches in international relations. It emphasizes the socially constructed nature of reality, arguing that meanings are not inherent but shaped by shared ideas, values, and norms. The role of elite individuals and non-governmental organizations in shaping state behavior and the construction of different international realities is also discussed. The section lays the groundwork for the introduction of Alexander Wendt's ideas.
2.3 Structure of the international realm in Neo-Realism: This section provides an overview of neo-realism, contrasting it with the constructivist approach. It focuses on the core tenets of neo-realism, such as the importance of state survival and the absence of a world government, which leads to competition and conflict. The section prepares the ground for presenting Kenneth Waltz's structural realist perspective.
Keywords
Anarchy, international relations, constructivism, neo-realism, Alexander Wendt, Kenneth Waltz, social construction, state identity, state interests, international system, cooperation, conflict, power, security.
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This preview provides a structured overview of an essay exploring the nature of anarchy in the international system. It examines whether anarchy is a constant or a variable by analyzing the perspectives of constructivism and neo-realism, focusing on the contributions of Alexander Wendt and Kenneth Waltz.
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The preview includes a table of contents, a description of the objectives and key themes, summaries of each chapter, and a list of keywords. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the essay's structure and content before reading the full text.
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The central question is whether anarchy in international relations is a constant or a variable characteristic of the international system.
Which theoretical perspectives are used in the essay?
The essay uses constructivism and neo-realism as the main theoretical lenses to analyze the nature of anarchy. It specifically focuses on the contributions of Alexander Wendt (constructivism) and Kenneth Waltz (neo-realism).
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the definition and implications of anarchy; the constructivist perspective on the social construction of the international system; the neo-realist perspective on the structure and constraints of the international system; the contrasting views of Wendt and Waltz on the changeability of anarchy; and the relevance of these theoretical approaches to contemporary international political events.
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The preview provides concise summaries of the introduction and theoretical framework chapters. It also offers individual summaries of sections within the theoretical framework chapter, specifically detailing the constructivist and neo-realist perspectives and the contributions of Wendt and Waltz. The introduction highlights the relevance of the research question to current political events.
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Keywords include Anarchy, international relations, constructivism, neo-realism, Alexander Wendt, Kenneth Waltz, social construction, state identity, state interests, international system, cooperation, conflict, power, and security.
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The purpose is to offer a thorough and structured preview of the essay's contents, enabling readers to quickly grasp its key arguments, methodology, and scope. This is particularly useful for academic purposes, allowing for a focused analysis of the themes and arguments presented.
Who are the key theorists discussed in this essay?
The essay primarily focuses on the theories of Alexander Wendt (constructivism) and Kenneth Waltz (neo-realism).
What is the significance of Stewart Patrick's observation mentioned in the introduction?
The introduction references Stewart Patrick's observation regarding the hierarchical nature of international politics, despite the existence of numerous international institutions. This serves to contextualize the central research question regarding the constant or variable nature of anarchy.
- Quote paper
- Jan Jensen (Author), 2016, The International System. To what extent is anarchy a constant or a variable?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/355468
