Can theoretical literature help us understand international systems? This article reflects on Alexander Wendt’s effort to reconceptualize the nature of the international system. The author highlights Wendt's discussion of scientific realism, emphasizing its importance for students of international relations and political science. Wendt’s work challenges the notion that constructivism is inherently postmodern, lacking an objective referent. Drawing on John Searle's ideas, the author points out that a subjective ontology can coexist with an objective epistemology. Emphasizing the theory-laden nature of all knowledge, Wendt underscores that facts never speak for themselves. The author concludes that brute empiricism is inadequate in both social and natural sciences. Theories shape the way we perceive the world, but they cannot reshape the world entirely, making scientific realism a crucial consideration for understanding international dynamics.
Published in the Review of International Studies, this article engages directly with the journal's core focus on international relations theory. By reflecting on Wendt's work and its implications for understanding the international system, the paper contributes to the ongoing scholarly discourse within the field, aligning with the journal's academic objectives.