Book Review: Social Theory of International Politics by Alexander Wendt (1999)

In the field of International Relations (IR), certain works stand out as turning points that reshape scholarly debates and influence generations of thinkers.

One such seminal contribution is Alexander Wendt’s Social Theory of International Politics, published in 1999.

Widely regarded as the cornerstone of constructivist theory in IR, this book challenged the dominance of realism and liberalism by offering a fundamentally different lens for understanding world politics.

Alexander Wendt is one of the most influential contemporary scholars in International Relations. Known for pioneering constructivist theory, his work bridges social theory and international politics, emphasizing the role of shared ideas, culture, and identity in shaping the international system.

Core Argument of the Book

• At its heart, Social Theory of International Politics challenges the materialist assumptions of both realism and liberalism.
• While realists emphasize anarchy and power politics, and liberals highlight institutions and cooperation, Wendt introduces constructivism, which posits that international politics is socially constructed rather than merely driven by material capabilities.