How has social constructivism reshaped international politics theory? This viewpoint assesses Alexander Wendt's influential book, *Social Theory of International Politics*, comparing it to Kenneth Waltz's *Theory of International Politics*. The author notes Wendt's goal to build on Waltz's realism while incorporating idealist and holist perspectives. The review praises Wendt's book for its sophisticated arguments and anticipation of potential objections. It suggests the work will likely become a standard reference for scholars within the social constructivist tradition of international politics. Wendt masterfully defines his ground and attempts to set the terms for future debates, making criticism challenging. Overall, the book is deemed essential reading for those interested in social constructivism and its impact on understanding international politics. The reviewer enthusiastically recommends it to readers eager to delve into Wendt's definitive statement on constructivism.
As a review published in Review of International Studies, this piece critically evaluates a major contribution to the field of international relations theory. The review's engagement with social constructivism and its implications for understanding global politics aligns with the journal's focus on diverse theoretical perspectives in international studies.