Is Wendt’s Constructivist account of International Relations a “Critical Theory?”

Pointers on Answering the essay/ Instructions
Wendt’s Concepts of International relations:
• Identity: Believes it can change, that its constructive and not inherent, i.e the EU because of their
integration
• Structure: Believes that it’s a pattern of behaviour through states/ Environment you find yourself defines
your structure
• Interest i.e within specific structure.
Critical Theorist idea’s

• They believe in changing the world for the better
• They talk about emancipation
Wendt’s account Arguments:

? We can argue on both (Critical theory & Realist) point of view because of the issue of change
? Wendt’s account contains no Emancipatory project
? Wendt’s account is kind of liberal because of the late progression
? Wendt’s has an oppressive notion
Criticism of Wendt’s account: Are

• That idea’s is what is important in Int. politics because we can-not study IR without idea’s.
• The identity of USSR change does not negates the world war because the issue have resolved
• From state self-help to co-operation i.e collapse of the 2nd world war