Who among the following theorists used constructivist analysis to provide a critique of both neorealism and neoliberalism in international relations?

Correct option is B

Alexander Wendt is one of the most influential constructivist theorists in international relations (IR). He used constructivist analysis to critique both neorealism and neoliberalism, challenging their materialistic and positivist underpinnings. Wendt argued that the international system is not inherently anarchic; rather, "anarchy is what states make of it." This statement forms the foundation of his critique, emphasizing that international structures and state behaviors are socially constructed through shared norms, ideas, and identities.
Wendt’s Critique:
1. Of Neorealism: Wendt rejected the neorealist assumption that the international system's structure (anarchy) inherently drives states to act in a self-help manner. He argued that state interactions and shared ideas shape the system's nature.
2. Of Neoliberalism: Wendt critiqued neoliberalism for focusing on material incentives and institutional arrangements while overlooking the constitutive role of norms and identities in shaping cooperation.
Wendt’s seminal work, Social Theory of International Politics, advanced a systemic constructivist approach, proposing that both material and ideational factors are essential in understanding international relations.
Information Booster
1. Constructivism: A theoretical framework focusing on the social construction of international politics, emphasizing the role of norms, ideas, and identities.
2. Key Statement by Wendt: "Anarchy is what states make of it," highlighting that state behavior is influenced by shared understandings rather than material constraints alone.