1. Alexander Wendt & Social Constructivism: A Brief Overview
Introduction to International Relations
Professor: Kim Jae Chun
Spring 2016
I39030 Nick Trillo

2. What is social constructivism?
The international system is socially constructed, made up of human ideas and identities, not material forces. It is the product of our shared values, ideas, norms, and perceptions.
Human consciousness plays the key role in shaping the world order
But what do we mean by ‘created by ideas and
identities’?

3. Example: What does a gun represent?
If a gun is pointed at us, we will feel threatened and scared: But this is learned behavior.
Somebody who doesn’t know what a gun is will not feel these emotions. A gun’s identity is socially constructed.
Moreover, a gun can represent different things to different people.
Danger or Safety?
Freedom or Repression?
Fun or Destruction?

4. Alexander Wendt German born political scientist
Solidified social constructivism with 1992 article ‘Anarchy is what states make of it’.
Questions both neo liberal and neo realist commitment to
material factors. Argued that even core neo realist concept of ‘self help’ system is not a natural state, but
socially constructed.

5. Wendt’s social constructivism
Agrees with realists about the importance of the structural level of
analysis and that the international system is a state of anarchy
Disagrees about what the structure is made of
Realists: Structure = Anarchy → self help system → security dilemma
Wendt’s social constructivism: Structure = socialization and interaction creates a particular culture of anarchy
Identifies three distinct cultures of anarchy: Hobbesian, Lockean, and Kantian

6. Three cultures of anarchy
Hobbesian: A true realist self help system. Kill or be killed. All states identify each other as enemies.
Lockean: States are rivals rather than enemies. Live and let live. Sovereignty recognized as right to pursue national affairs.
Kantian: States regard each other as friends. Violence is not used to settle disputes. 20th century liberal democracies.

7. Discussion
1. Is the international system ‘real’ and ‘natural’, or is it socially constructed?
2. What are social constructivism's strong and weak points, compared to realism or liberalism?