1st Edition

Critical Theory in International Relations and Security Studies Interviews and Reflections

Edited By Shannon Brincat, Laura Lima, Joao Nunes Copyright 2012
    240 Pages
    by Routledge

    236 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book provides an assessment of the legacy, challenges and future directions of Critical Theory in the fields of International Relations and Security Studies.

    This book provides ‘first-hand’ interviews with some of the pioneers of Critical Theory in the fields of International Relations Theory and Security Studies. The interviews are combined innovatively with reflective essays to create an engaging and accessible discussion of the legacy and challenges of critical thinking. A unique forum that combines first-person discussion and secondary commentary on a variety of theoretical positions, the book explores in detail the interaction between different theories and approaches, including postcolonialism, feminism, and poststructuralism. Scholars from a variety of theoretical backgrounds reflect on the strengths and problems of critical theory, recasting the theoretical discussion about critical theory in the study of world politics and examining the future of the discipline.

    Both an introduction and an advanced engagement with theoretical developments over the past three decades, Critical Theory in International Relations and Security Studies will be of interest to students and scholars of International Politics, Security Studies and Philosophy.

    Introduction: The Life of Critique Shannon Brincat, Laura Limes and Joao Nunes  Part 1: Interviews  1. "For someone and for some purpose": An Interview with Robert W. Cox  2. Citizenship, Community and Harm in World Politics: An Interview with Andrew Linklater  3. Challenging the Ideas that Made Us: An Interview with Ken Booth  4. The Test of Practice: An Interview with Richard Wyn Jones Robert Cox, Andrew Linklater, Ken Booth, Richard Wyn Jones  Part II: Rethinking the Origins  6. The ‘Secular’ Subject of Critical International Relations Theory Mustapha Kamal Pasha  7. Vico contra Kant: The Competing Critical Theories of Cox and Linklater Richard Devetak  Part III: Debating the Limits  8. Orientalism and The Poverty of Theory Three Decades On: Bringing Eastern and Subaltern Agency Back Into Critical IR Theory  John M. Hobson  9. Uncritical Theory Brooke Ackerly  10. What is Critical about Critical Theory Revisited: The Case of Four International Relations Scholars and Gender Jacqui True  11. The Continuing Appeal of Critical Security Studies Pinar Bilgin  Part IV: Future Directions  12. Beyond (Western) IR Theory: The Post-Colonial Tradition and the Restructuring of (Critical) IR Theory Mark Neufeld  13. ‘Come In, Make Yourself Uncomfortable!’ Some Thoughts on Putting Critical Theory in its Place Martin Weber  14. The Potential and Perils of Opposition Michael C. Williams  15. Turning Towards the World: Practicing Critique in IR Kimberly Hutchings

     

    Biography

    Shannon Brincat is the co-editor for the journal Global Discourse. He received his doctorate from the University of Queensland.

    Laura Lima has recently submitted her doctoral thesis at the Department of International Politics, Aberystwyth University.

    João Nunes is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Warwick.

    'Critique requires critique. By reinvigorating questions of belonging, progress, cosmopolitanism and order in world politics, critical theory has made an enormous contribution to International Relations and Security Studies, and influenced countless activists and policy makers committed to its normative vision of a more just and sustainable world. This book courageously states it is time to reassess. The probing interviews with the field's major figures are worth the price alone, but the stellar cast of scholars who ask what it has missed, who it must engage, and where it must go from here, make this a compelling work. It will set the stage for a productive new phase in truly challenging times.' - Anthony Burke, University of New South Wales, Australia

    'Employing an unusual dialogical format, Critical Theory in International Relations and Security Studies lives up to Critical Theory’s promise of being self-reflective. Interviews with four leading figures in the field, which reveal the richness and diversity of their intellectual heritages, are complemented by a diverse group of commentators who challenge Critical International Relations Theory and Critical Security Studies to be ever aware of its commitment to ongoing dialogue and openness to new avenues of exploration. An important book for students and scholars alike: the stimulating and engaging interviews and essays provide openings for continual self-reflection on how Critical Theory can continue to broaden and deepen its focus further, openings which seem imperative in an increasingly diverse world.' - J. Ann Tickner, University of Southern California, USA