Constructivism and International Relations Alexander Wendt and his critics This new book unites in one volume some of the most prominent critiques of Alexander Wendt’s constructivist theory of international relations and includes the first comprehensive reply by Wendt. Partly reprints of benchmark articles, partly new original critiques, the critical chapters are informed by a wide array of contending theories ranging from realism to poststructuralism. The collected leading theorists critique Wendt’s seminal book Social Theory of International Politics and his subsequent revisions. They take issue with the full panoply of Wendt’s approach, such as his alleged positivism, his critique of the realist school, the conceptualisation of identity, and his teleological theory of history. Wendt’s reply is not limited to a rebuttal only. For the first time, he develops his recent idea of a quantum social science, as well as its implications for theorising international relations. This unique volume 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 theorising. Stefano Guzzini is Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, Copenhagen, and Professor of Government at Uppsala University, Sweden. Anna Leander is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Management at the University of Southern Denmark, and Associate Professor of International Political Economy at Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. The New International Relations Edited by Barry Buzan, London School of Economics and Richard Little, University of Bristol The field of international relations has changed dramatically in recent years. This new series will cover the major issues that have emerged and reflect the latest academic thinking in this particularly dynamic area. International Law, Rights and Politics Developments in Eastern Europe and the CIS Rein Mullerson The Logic of Internationalism Coercion and accommodation Kjell Goldmann Russia and the Idea of Europe A study in identity and international relations Iver B.Neumann The Future of International Relations Masters in the making? Edited by Iver B.Neumann and Ole Wæver Constructing the World Polity Essays on international institutionalization John Gerard Ruggie Realism in International Relations and International Political Economy The continuing story of a death foretold Stefano Guzzini International Relations, Political Theory and the Problem of Order Beyond international relations theory? N.J.Rengger War, Peace and World Orders in European History Edited by Anja V.Hartmann and Beatrice Heuser European Integration and National Identity The challenge of the Nordic states Edited by Lene Hansen and Ole Wæver Shadow Globalization, Ethnic Conflicts and New Wars A political economy of intra-state war Edited by Dietrich Jung Contemporary Security Analysis and Copenhagen Peace Research Edited by Stefano Guzzini and Dietrich Jung Observing International Relations Niklas Luhmann and world politics Edited by Mathias Albert and Lena Hilkermeier Does China Matter? A Reassessment Essays in memory of Gerald Segal Edited by Barry Buzan and Rosemary Foot European Approaches to International Relations Theory A house with many mansions Jörg Friedrichs The Post-Cold War International System Strategies, institutions and reflexivity Ewan Harrison States of Political Discourse Words, regimes, seditions Costas M.Constantinou The Politics of Regional Identity Meddling with the Mediterranean Michelle Pace The Power of International Theory Reforging the link to foreign policy-making through scientific enquiry Fred Chernoff Africa and the North Between globalization and marginalization Edited by Ulf Engel and Gorm Rye Olsen Communitarian International Relations The epistemic foundations of international relations Emanuel Adler Human Rights and World Trade Hunger in international society Ana Gonzalez-Pelaez Liberalism and the War The victors and the vanquished Andrew Williams Constructivism and International Relations Alexander Wendt and his critics Edited by Stefano Guzzini and Anna Leander Security as Practice Discourse analysis and the Bosnian War Lene Hansen The Politics of Insecurity Fear, migration and assylum in the EU Jef Huysmans Constructivism and International Relations Alexander Wendt and his critics Edited by Stefano Guzzini and Anna Leander LONDON AND NEW YORK First published 2006 by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX 14 4RN Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 270 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016 Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2006. To purchase your own copy of this or any of Taylor & Francis or Routledge’s collection of thousands of eBooks please go to http://www.ebookstore.tandf.co.uk/. © 2006 Stefano Guzzini and Anna Leander for selection and editorial matter, individual contributors, their contributions. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Constructivism and international relations: Alexander Wendt and his critics/edited by Stefano Guzzini and Anna Leander. p. cm.—(The new international relations) Includes bibliographical references and index. 1. International relations- Sociological aspects. 2. International relations-Philosophy. 3. Wendt, Alexander, 1966- I. Guzzini, Stefano. II. Leander, Anna. III. Series. JZ1251.C66 2006 327.1′01–dc22 2005014086 ISBN 0-203-40188-3 Master e-book ISBN ISBN 10:0-415-33271-0 (Print Edition) ISBN 13:9-78-0-415-33271-2 (Print Edition) Für Else