The Epistemic Violence of Positivist Theories of International Relations: Breaking Free of the Single Narrative

Authors

  • Author

  • Lourdes Habash Birzeit University, Palestine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31430/SQWQ4637

Keywords:

Western-Centrism, Epistemic Violence, Neorealist Theory, Neoliberalism, Epistemic Disobedience

Abstract

This study explores epistemic violence afflicting the field of international relations and the way it relates to Eurocentrism. It probes the consequences this has had for international relations theories, revealing blind spots regarding states of the South. It challenges the Western narratives and perspectives that dominate international relations whilst demonstrating there are voices and theories in the South that have been historically silenced and marginalized in that discipline. The study poses the following key questions: What are the mechanisms by which epistemic violence is exercised against the Global South? What are its implications for positivist theories? How is epistemic violence to be overcome? In its analysis and response to these questions, the study employs the methodology of discourse analysis to clarify the position of countries of the South in the discourse of international relations and positivism. As well, it makes use of the concept of epistemic violence to understand the mechanisms of action of epistemic hegemony in this discipline, and the concept of epistemic disobedience to propose a method by which to disengage from this hegemony with focus on examples from the Arab world. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of epistemic disobedience for research methods as a basic instrument for crafting policies to make international relations global in terms of issues, substance, and knowledge.

Author Biography

  • Lourdes Habash, Birzeit University, Palestine
    Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies, Birzeit University, Palestine.

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Published

2024-07-01

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Received: November 3, 2023 Revised: May 20, 2024 Accepted: June 14, 2024

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Vol. 12 No. 069 (2024): Issue 069

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Studies

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