This document summarizes key concepts of Critical Theory and Postcolonial Theory, highlighting their critiques of traditional international relations theories and their focus on emancipation, historical context, and marginalized voices.
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[...] Critical Theory and Postcolonial Theory I. Critical Theory Critical Theory originated at the Frankfurt School in the 1920-1930s. These thinkers focused on culture, media, and ideology, and challenged reason and rationality. They paved the way for what is known as the 'critical turn' in the 1980-1990s, led by figures such as Cox and Ashley. - Positivism: Belief in a given reality, which can be explained by a scientific method. - Post-positivism : No tool is neutral, all are shaped by biases. [...]
[...] Richard Ashley concurs: no theory of international relations is neutral, realism being an ideological discourse justifying existing power relations. The supposed neutrality of traditional theories is an illusion: they perpetuate inequalities and dominations. Fundamental Concepts - Hegemony : It does not only limit itself to economic or military domination, but also relies on ideological power. It allows great powers to maintain their position. - S : a historical construction that reflects power relations. - For example : post-colonial borders in Africa are an illustration of this dynamic. [...]
[...] Post-colonialism constructs a history that values marginalized voices, influencing contemporary debates on the restitution of cultural assets, and Algeria in 2021. However, certain critics argue that this theory may appear ideological, disconnected from social realities, and sometimes, neglects contemporary issues such as racism and sexism. Neo-colonialism refers to the maintenance of a domination, either direct through cultural control or indirect through the exploitation of resources, such as in Georgia under Russian influence. Fukuyama and Huntington present a fixed view of history, ignoring evolutionary dynamics. [...]
[...] Post-colonial theory Post-colonialism is a school of thought that analyzes the lasting effects of colonization, challenging positivism and highlighting the importance of the voices of minorities. This theory describes how colonization constitutes a form of domination that crushes conquered peoples and suppresses their symbolic structures. - Césaire : Iconic figure of anti-colonialism with his negritude, which asserts an African and Antillean identity in the face of colonial oppression. - Fanon : Calls on oppressed peoples to become aware of their situation. Key concepts of post-colonialism - Orientalism (Said) : Critical analysis of Western discourse on the Orient, denouncing symbolic and linguistic domination. [...]
