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International Relations From The Global South: A Critical Perspective on Global Politics

George Bernard Shaw

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Published in International Relations From The Global South: Worlds Of Difference (Worlding Beyond The West 23)

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International Relations (IR) as a discipline has traditionally been dominated by perspectives and theories developed in the Global North, primarily in Europe and North America. This has led to a narrow understanding of global politics that often marginalizes the perspectives and experiences of the Global South, which encompasses regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

In recent decades, there has been a growing movement of scholars and activists who have sought to challenge this Eurocentric bias in IR. This movement, known as "International Relations from the Global South," seeks to provide a critical perspective on global politics that takes into account the perspectives and experiences of marginalized regions and communities.

This article examines the history, theoretical foundations, and contemporary challenges of International Relations from the Global South. It seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of this important field of study and offer insights into the ways in which it can help us to better understand the complexities of global politics.

International Relations from the Global South: Worlds of Difference (Worlding Beyond the West 23)

International Relations from the Global South: Worlds of Difference (Worlding Beyond the West Book 23)

by Arlene B. Tickner

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The origins of International Relations from the Global South can be traced back to the anti-colonial movements of the 20th century. As colonized peoples sought to gain independence and self-determination, they began to develop their own perspectives on global politics. These perspectives were often critical of the Eurocentric theories that dominated IR at the time, which they argued failed to account for the experiences and aspirations of the Global South.

In the post-colonial era, scholars from the Global South continued to develop their own theories and approaches to IR. These theories often drew on critical theories, such as postcolonialism and dependency theory, to challenge the dominant paradigms in the field.

International Relations from the Global South is based on a number of theoretical foundations, including:

Postcolonialism: Postcolonialism is a critical theory that examines the lasting effects of colonialism on societies and cultures. Postcolonial IR scholars argue that the Global South continues to be shaped by the legacies of colonialism, which have created patterns of inequality and domination that continue to this day.
Dependency Theory: Dependency theory is a critical theory that examines the economic relationships between developed and developing countries. Dependency theorists argue that the Global South is trapped in a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment due to its dependence on the Global North.
Development Studies: Development studies is a field of study that examines the processes of economic and social development in the Global South. Development studies scholars often focus on the challenges faced by developing countries, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

International Relations from the Global South faces a number of contemporary challenges, including:

Marginalization in the Discipline: International Relations from the Global South continues to be marginalized in the discipline of IR. Scholars from the Global South are often underrepresented in IR journals, conferences, and textbooks.
Lack of Funding: Scholars from the Global South often face a lack of funding for their research. This can make it difficult for them to conduct research and publish their findings.
Political Repression: Scholars from the Global South often face political repression for their work. This can include harassment, intimidation, and imprisonment.

International Relations from the Global South is a critical perspective on global politics that takes into account the perspectives and experiences of marginalized regions and communities. It is based on a number of theoretical foundations, including postcolonialism, dependency theory, and development studies. International Relations from the Global South faces a number of contemporary challenges, including marginalization in the discipline, lack of funding, and political repression.

Despite these challenges, International Relations from the Global South is a growing and important field of study. It offers a unique perspective on global politics that is essential for understanding the complexities of the world we live in.

International Relations from the Global South: Worlds of Difference (Worlding Beyond the West Book 23)

by Arlene B. Tickner

5 out of 5