Conceptualizing Resistance in Theories of International Relations

Document Type : Conceptual paper (International Relation)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Iran

2 M.A Student, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Iran

10.30497/ipt.2025.247560.1032

Abstract

Can we conceptualize resistance in theories of International Relations? Are there theories which directly or indirectly refer to resistance against the dominant international system and guide the oppressed how to resist and revolt against the oppressors? Regarding this question, it seems that there are some reflectivist theories that have the capacity to conceptualize resistance implicitly or explicitly, namely Gramscianism, Poststructuralism and Postcolonialism. Gramscianism teaches us that the only way to challenge the hegemonic position of the ruling class is a counter-hegemonic struggle in civil society. Poststructuralism emphasizes using ‘genealogy’ and ‘deconstruction’ methods to discredit such dichotomies as the developed and the underdeveloped, the modern and the pre-modern, the civilized and the barbaric, which the dominant discourse makes us take as given and natural; and Postcolonialism utilizes ‘hybridity’ as a sign of the agency of the colonized and their ability to resist domination. This article aims to investigate how these theoretical approaches help us defy the domination and subordination hierarchy in global system and open up alternative ways to understand world politics.

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Volume 11, Issue 3 - Serial Number 23
September 2024
Pages 51-66
  • Receive Date: 11 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 28 May 2025