Another decolonial approach is possible: international studies in an antiblack world

Chipato, F. and Chandler, D. (2022) Another decolonial approach is possible: international studies in an antiblack world. Third World Quarterly, 43(7), pp. 1783-1797. (doi: 10.1080/01436597.2022.2069092)

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Abstract

This article analyses important trends in contemporary decolonial approaches in the field of international studies and, drawing on recent work in critical Black studies, seeks to highlight some of the limitations in their assumptions. Anthropologically informed decolonial approaches argue for a pluriversal approach, where multiple ‘worlds’ can coexist, whilst sociologically grounded critiques seek to develop the field of international studies through adding social and historical depth to our understanding of power and challenging racial hierarchies. Both these forms of decolonial argument aim to pluralise and expand understandings, drawing in marginalised and excluded outsiders, in a bid to repair and revitalise international studies. However, we argue that a third approach, starting from the assumption of an antiblack world, raises important questions for decolonial study. Drawing from critical Black studies, we suggest that the dominant forms of decolonial critique may not adequately address the liberal modernist assumptions underpinning the field of international study. If another decolonial approach is possible it will bring a disruptive and deconstructive perspective, one that seeks to avoid inadvertently strengthening the antiblack foundations of the field.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Development.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Chipato, Dr Farai
Authors: Chipato, F., and Chandler, D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Third World Quarterly
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0143-6597
ISSN (Online):1360-2241
Published Online:13 May 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Authors
First Published:First published in Third World Quarterly 43(7): 1783-1797
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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