| Résumé: |
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. These roles are constitued by 'cultures of anarchy', descrived as Hobbesian, Lockean and Kantian respectively. Cultures of anarchy are shared ideas held by states that affect the meaning of their power and content of their interests, and in so doing generate behavioral tendencies in the international system. The book describes four factors which drive structural change from one culture to another - interdependance, common fate, homogeneization, and self-restraint - and links these to the role of capitalism and democracy in the emergence of a Kantian culture in the West. [4e de couv.] |