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Alexander Wendt's Anarchy Is What States Make Of It

850 Words4 Pages

Sharena Roberson
June 12, 2016
GWA 201
Dr. Michael Broache
Anarchy is What States Make of It
Alexander Wendt has the opinion of a constructivist. In his argument, “Anarchy is what states make of it”,He believes that anarchy is not given, but constructed. He states that classical realists base power politics on human nature whereas structural realists and neo-realists base their views on anarchy(Art and Jervis p.59).He argues that Waltz’s “Theory of International Politics” lacks the discussion of behavioral roles in politics. His argument is broken up into three parts. The first is that anarchy doesn’t have to be a self-help system and that states act on the basis of their relationships with one another. The second is that anarchy doesn’t …show more content…

Though we would like to believe that we treat others the way we would want to be treated regardless of their actions towards us, this is not the case. If a state sees you as an enemy or a threat, they certainly won’t treat you as an ally or friend. Say for example there is something you utilize from another state like their natural resources, you wouldn’t attempt to go to war with this state. In fact, you’d try your best to remain in good graces with them. If you become an enemy of that particular state, they wouldn’t continue to allow utilization of their resources. As a result, your state would suffer or reap the consequences. If there was nothing that you wish to gain from a state you probably wouldn’t interact or cooperate with them in general. Another example would be in the case of attempting to bargain with another state. If there is potential for one state to gain power over another in the future, the least powerful state wouldn’t trust the other state leading to conflict. Another classic example would be reciprocity. A state will reciprocate another state’s actions, if it beneficial. The opposite side would argue that self-help stems directly from anarchy. It's necessary for survival and all based on

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