Chapter 9: Empire, race and anticolonial thought Flashcards
What is the traditional origin story of International Relations (IR)?
The traditional origin story of IR centers around the horrors of the First World War and the imperative to prevent similar catastrophes. IR emerged as a separate academic discipline in 1919, with the establishment of the Department of International Politics at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth.
Who were some of the first IR theorists according to the traditional origin story?
The first IR theorists were interwar liberal internationalists and realists, including Norman Angell, David Mitrany, Leonard Woolf, and E.H. Carr.
According to revisionist history, what are the theoretical origins of International Relations (IR)?
Revisionist history locates the theoretical origins of IR in concerns with empire, anticolonial revolts, race wars, and the fate of “white nations.” Race, rather than the sovereign nation-state, is considered the primary unit of world politics.
How does Robert Vitalis (Vitalis, 2015) challenge the traditional narrative of IR’s founding fathers?
Robert Vitalis argues that many of the “founding fathers” of IR were deeply committed to upholding white hegemony on a global scale. For example, liberal internationalists like Norman Angell were supportive of empire and the rule of the white race, opposing anticolonial struggles for self-determination. (Angell, 1937)
According to W.E.B. Du Bois, what were the main causes of the First World War?
W.E.B. Du Bois argued that the “scramble for Africa” and imperial rivalry were the main causes of the First World War.
What is the “Howard School of International Relations,” and who were some of its members?
The “Howard School of International Relations,” named after Howard University, included thinkers such as Alain Locke, Merze Tate, and Ralph Bunche. They provided an alternative perspective on international politics, particularly from the standpoint of African-American scholars.
What was the impact of the colonial history of the discipline for how we think about IR today?
Erosion of Legitimacy: The colonial origins of IR raise questions about the discipline’s legitimacy and neutrality. Critics argue that IR emerged within a Eurocentric framework, reflecting and reinforcing colonial power structures.
Epistemic Injustice: The colonial history of IR has perpetuated epistemic injustice by marginalizing non-Western voices and perspectives. Early IR theorists often ignored or essentialized non-Western societies, relegating them to the periphery of global politics.
Continuation of Colonial Practices: The colonial legacy of IR is evident in contemporary practices and discourses. Concepts like “state sovereignty” and “international law” emerged within colonial contexts and continue to reflect Western-centric norms and values
Reproduction of Power Hierarchies: The colonial history of IR has contributed to the reproduction of power hierarchies in the discipline. Western scholars and institutions continue to dominate the production of knowledge, setting the agenda for theoretical debates and research agendas
Calls for Decolonization: The recognition of IR’s colonial history has led to calls for decolonizing the discipline. Scholars advocate for a more inclusive and diverse approach that acknowledges the contributions of non-Western thinkers and engages with postcolonial critiques
How has W.E.B. Du Bois to international political theory?
Du Bois was one of the first scholars to highlight the intersectionality of race and international politics. In his work, he emphasized the global dimensions of racial inequality and colonial exploitation, challenging the Eurocentric narratives of international relations prevalent during his time.
Du Bois offered insightful critiques of imperialism and its role in shaping global conflict. In essays like “The African Roots of War,” he argued that imperial competition over resources and territories was a primary cause of world wars. Du Bois’s analysis helped to shed light on the connections between colonialism, militarism, and international power struggles, offering a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics driving global conflicts.
e advocated for self-determination and independence for colonized peoples, contributing to the broader struggle against imperialism and racial oppression. Du Bois’s activism inspired generations of scholars and activists to challenge colonial domination and fight for global justice.
Du Bois’s writings promoted the idea of global solidarity among oppressed peoples.
Although Du Bois’s contributions to international political theory were often overlooked during his lifetime, his ideas have gained greater recognition in recent years.
