POSTMODERNISM THEORY Defining of the Postmodern theory Identification

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POST-MODERNISM THEORY Defining of the Postmodern theory; Identification of the key assumptions of theory;

POST-MODERNISM THEORY Defining of the Postmodern theory; Identification of the key assumptions of theory; Evaluate theory i. e. strengths & weaknesses. NB// The theory Poststructuralist. is also referred to as

What is Postmodern Theory? It is a post-positivist approach to IR that rejects theoretical

What is Postmodern Theory? It is a post-positivist approach to IR that rejects theoretical revolution as the basis for understanding the international system. It is defined as incredulity (disbelief) towards metanarratives (any story told to justify another story) (Lyotard, 1984). A multi-faceted theoretical approach which challenges the certainties and dualisms of modernism but promotes pluralism (Garner et al, 2009). It is powered by Michael Foucault & Jacques Derrida.

Key Assumptions of Postmodernism Political Ideologies have: Ø No foundations; Ø No objective standards;

Key Assumptions of Postmodernism Political Ideologies have: Ø No foundations; Ø No objective standards; Ø No fixed points; Ø No universalism; and Ø No knowledge which is constructed. (Gamble, 2000). Ø But celebrates diversity and difference; and Ø The world is a social construction.

POST-MODERNISM THEORY This is an applied theory in IR once on the margin of

POST-MODERNISM THEORY This is an applied theory in IR once on the margin of the discipline but has gained ground in the post-cold war era. Modernity is generally viewed as an era of industrialization, urbanization, globalization and democratization. However, in academic sense, modernity means theoretical revolutions aimed at objective truth. But postmodernity refers to an era beyond modernity. IR postmodernism theory challenges both the neo-realist and neoliberalist schools’ view of state rationality, self-help & absolutism. It emerged from the French Philosophers in the 1940 s and entered the IR discipline in the 1980 s. The neo-realist and neo-liberalist schools denotes an idea that IR can be scientifically studied. That is, a certain trend can be articulated in IR e. g. Causes of War, State co-operation, conflict, humanitarian intervention etc.

Cont. Thus, based on neo-realists and neo-liberalists, IR can be explained in a singular

Cont. Thus, based on neo-realists and neo-liberalists, IR can be explained in a singular model and theory. The fact the neo-realists and neo-liberalists try to sell is that, world events follow a certain pattern (repetitive). Post-modernists however dispute this idea of patterns and regular cycles of the international system. They argue that mainstream theories are a historical and marginalizes non-state actors. Post-modernists rather views it as entirely a product of human construction/ deconstruction. Based on this, there is no objective knowledge of social phenomena. Rather, each theory on any given event partially explains the phenomena but not wholesomely since it’s a product of individual human thinking.

Cont. Thus, a different crop of world citizens is more likely to have a

Cont. Thus, a different crop of world citizens is more likely to have a different taste and attitude in the global political arena. They view other theories as too historical. The way people view the global economy, war, etc. is different from that of the past generation. If people have seen devastations of a war, why should they wage wars again. Thus this human dynamism makes it impossible to formulate theories/ models in IR or the social world.

Cont. Post-modernists argue that metanarratives are constructed by theorists, hence ‘untruths’. Defining threats, dangers,

Cont. Post-modernists argue that metanarratives are constructed by theorists, hence ‘untruths’. Defining threats, dangers, enemies as well as poverty is all but human construction. The major argument is that there is no one with direct access to the truth. However, power requires knowledge and knowledge reinforces existing power relations. Knowledge is not immune from the workings of power. Thus postmodernists are committed to explore the complexities of power and knowledge. E. g. : The creature called State, i. e who is the State but yet idealists/ realists says it’s one of the major actors in IR.

Cont. Thus, objective truths can not be established in the realm of IR thru

Cont. Thus, objective truths can not be established in the realm of IR thru a single theory but a multifaceted approach. They argue that the ‘human world’ is beyond study, since he is dynamic thus no one can theorise him. The postmodernists reject the idea of fashioning institutions that are just and fair for all humankind. Thus, international institutions serves a certain group/individuals. They debunk the notion of universal human progress (Jackson and Sorensen, 2010: 289). They view attempts to theorize IR as an intellectual illusion, academic arrogance & extremely subjective equitable to religion. To them, any theory that attempts to claim that it has found the truth about the ‘Social World’ is far-fetched & misplaced.

Strengths of Theory Deflation of academic egos. Rejection of universal truth. It invokes critical

Strengths of Theory Deflation of academic egos. Rejection of universal truth. It invokes critical thinking on how people construct the world.

Weaknesses of Theory Too utopian since it claims to discard other theories, yet it’s

Weaknesses of Theory Too utopian since it claims to discard other theories, yet it’s a theory in itself. Why should we believe it also if theorization of the world is social construction and always biased as it claims. The theory ignores the real world events, it’s more of a hesitation to unpack the ‘global man’. Its too destructive. It is a critique of other ideologies than being an ideology in itself. It offers no coherent explanation of the IR field other than criticizing other theorists. Thus, theory is viewed to be criticism for the sake of criticism.