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Post-Structuralism in International Relations (IR)
What is Post-Structuralism?Post-structuralism is a critical approach in IR that questions fundamental truths and dominant narratives, particularly those focused on the state and its central role in global politics. Unlike traditional theories such as realism and liberalism—which view states as unitary, rational actors—post-structuralism investigates how these ideas and “realities” are constructed through language, discourse, and…
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Functionalism and Conflict Resolution
A. Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Functionalism contributes to peacebuilding by tackling root causes of conflict through cooperation on cross-border economic projects, resource management, and cultural exchanges. These initiatives build trust, foster economic development, and reduce tensions, emphasizing comprehensive, interconnected solutions to prevent violence recurrence. B. Functional Approaches to Security Instead of relying mainly on military…
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Marxism in International Relations
Marxism is sometimes perceived as an obfuscated amalgam of social, political, and economic doctrines within International Relations, advocating fervently for a classless society and equitable redistribution of resources as a counter-revolutionary stance against capitalist structures. This theoretical framework is often shrouded in ambiguity, with its terminology sometimes conflated with socialism and nationalism, each representing distinct…
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Feminism and Islam
IntroductionFeminism is a part of critical theories which primarily revolve around women’s rights in International Relations. Feminists argue that the international structure is predominantly male-dominated, and women’s status is reduced to second-class citizens, and it should be abolished. Due to the male-dominated international structure, men make decisions in world politics, and women bear the consequences…
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Constructivism in International Relations and Islam
Constructivism’s emergence in IR is often linked to the end of the Cold War, an event that traditional theories such as realism and liberalism failed to adequately explain. This failure stems from some core tenets of these theories — for example, the conviction that states are self-interested actors competing for power, and that the international…
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Islam and Idealism
The word ‘idealism’ is not new; its origin dates back to ancient times. It is derived from the ancient Greek word ‘idein’, meaning to see. Philosophically, many have used the term, but in modern times, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) notably applied it. He primarily derives this term from Plato’s ideas, meaning to acquire an actual…
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Liberalism in International Relations
Liberalism is a political theory and philosophy in international relations that primarily emphasizes the rights of individuals, including their liberty, rights, and property. It argues for upholding the rights of the people, thus placing political authority in the hands of governments, but with the active participation of citizens. The contemporary world broadly follows and accepts…
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Realism in International Relations: Classical to Neo-Classical Perspectives
The 20th century realism was response to idealist approach that dominated international relations scholarship in the aftermath of WWI. The key contributors of 20th century realism are Edward Hallett Carr (1892–1982) and Hans Morgenthau (1904–1980). E.H Carr in his notable work “The Twenty years’ crisis” (1939), criticizes idealist approach and describes it as “Utopianism”. According…
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Fallibilism Method (Popper) Meaning, Scope, and Significance
The fallibilist method, associated with the philosopher Karl Popper, is an approach to knowledge that recognizes human fallibility and the importance of critical thinking and open-mindedness in pursuing truth. Popper’s fallibilist methodology is particularly prominent in his philosophy of science and his critique of traditional inductive reasoning. Here’s an overview of the fallibilist method as…
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THE ARTICLE 370 (The game of destiny or betray of principle)
Attempting to erase Nehru’s imprint on the country is a formidable task because he is an integral part of modern India’s DNA. Exclude Nehru from the equation, and you risk delivering a blow to the essence of India. But on divergence side when personal gain is envisioned, do not hesitate…
