Anarchy in International Relations: Constructivism 🌍

Why does the U.S. worry about North Korea’s tiny nuclear arsenal but not the UK’s? In this video, Professor Noah Zerbe breaks down Constructivism, one of the most important theories in international relations, to explain how identity, norms, and ideas shape global politics. From Alexander Wendt’s famous line—“Anarchy is what states make of it”—to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of norm entrepreneurs, this lecture explores how meaning matters in global affairs. Whether you're a political science student or just curious about how power, perception, and politics intertwine, this is your essential guide to constructivism.