Anarchy is what states make of it: the social construction of power politics

1992/01/01 by Alexander Wendt · 5,775 citations
Social Sciences · #Action (physics) #Computer science #Economic system #Economics #International Relations and Foreign Policy #International relations #International relations theory #Law #Law and economics #Peacebuilding and International Security #Political Conflict and Governance #Political economy #Political science #Politics #Power (physics) #Sociology #State (computer science)

paper · doi:10.1017/s0020818300027764

published in International Organization 46(2), 391-425 (University of Cambridge)

openalex publication_date 1992/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

The debate between realists and liberals has reemerged as an axis of contention in international relations theory. Revolving in the past around competing theories of human nature, the debate is more concerned today with the extent to which state action is influenced by “structure” (anarchy and the distribution of power) versus “process” (interaction and learning) and institutions. Does the absence of centralized political authority force states to play competitive power politics? Can international regimes overcome this logic, and under what conditions? What in anarchy is given and immutable, and what is amenable to change?

Citations

• Possible selves.

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