Epistemological Freedom and the Globalization of IR: Challenges and Opportunities for Core-Periphery Dialogue

Year 2024, Volume: 14 Issue: 2, 353 - 369, 31.12.2024

Mürsel Doğrul

https://doi.org/10.31679/adamakademi.1570335

Abstract

This article examines core-periphery dynamics within global international relations (IR), focusing on how intellectual history informs the ongoing dialogue between the core, primarily the United Kingdom and the United States, and the 'periphery', representing the rest of the world. The study critically engages with Turton's conceptualisations of cores and explores how the concept of the periphery can be rethought to promote a more inclusive global IR framework. The article uses qualitative methods, including content analysis of key reference texts and historical sources, to examine the evolution of the core-periphery divide. The concept of epistemological freedom is discussed, prompting the question of whether a convergence of epistemologies or the pursuit of independent epistemic freedom is a more attainable objective for the expansion and diversification of the intellectual foundation of global IR. The importance of dialogue in reshaping the discipline is emphasized, and the potential of civilizational discourse to advance Global IR is considered. However, the article critically assesses whether such a discourse may inadvertently promote exceptionalism and essentialism. Ultimately, the article argues for a more balanced and pluralistic approach to global knowledge production that integrates perspectives from historically marginalized regions to challenge the traditional centre/periphery binary and promote intellectual diversity in the discipline. Drawing on the insights of scholars such as Shahi, Moshirzadeh and Kuru as well, the article explores the complexities of establishing genuine dialogue and inclusivity within IR, considering alternative approaches such as Shahi's 'dialogic approach' and Kuru's emphasis on global intellectual history.

Keywords

Epistemological Freedom, Global IR, Global South, Intellectual History, Knowledge Production

Epistemolojik Özgürlük ve Uluslararası İlişkilerin Küreselleşmesi: Merkez-Çevre Diyaloğu için Zorluklar ve Fırsatlar

Abstract

Bu makale, Küresel Uluslararası İlişkilerde (Uİ) merkez-çevre dinamiklerini incelemekte ve entelektüel tarihin, başta İngiltere ve ABD olmak üzere “merkez” ile dünyanın geri kalanını temsil eden “çevre” arasında süregelen diyaloğu nasıl bilgilendirdiğine odaklanmaktadır. Çalışma, Turton'un merkez kavramsallaştırmasına eleştirel bir yaklaşım getirerek, çevre kavramının daha kapsayıcı bir küresel Uluslararası İlişkiler çerçevesini desteklemek için nasıl yeniden düşünülebileceğini araştırmaktadır. Makale, merkez-çevre ayrımının evrimini araştırmak için önemli referans metinlerinin ve tarihsel kaynakların içerik analizi de dahil olmak üzere nitel yöntemler kullanmaktadır. Epistemolojik özgürlük kavramı incelenerek, epistemolojilerin yakınsamasının mı yoksa bağımsız epistemik özgürlük arayışının mı küresel Uİ'nin entelektüel temelinin genişlemesi ve çeşitlenmesi için daha ulaşılabilir bir hedef olduğu sorusu ortaya atılmıştır. Disiplinin yeniden şekillendirilmesinde diyaloğun önemi vurgulanmakta ve medeniyet söyleminin Küresel Uluslararası İlişkiler'i ilerletme potansiyeli değerlendirilmektedir. Ancak makale, böyle bir söylemin istemeden de olsa istisnacılığı ve özcülüğü teşvik edip etmeyeceğini eleştirel bir şekilde değerlendirmektedir. Sonuç olarak makale, geleneksel merkez/çevre ikiliğine yenilikçi ve disiplinde entelektüel çeşitliliği teşvik etmek için tarihsel olarak ötekileştirilmiş bölgelerden perspektifleri entegre eden küresel bilgi üretimine daha dengeli ve çoğulcu bir yaklaşımı savunmaktadır. Shahi, Moshirzadeh ve Kuru gibi akademisyenlerin de görüşlerinden yararlanan makale, Shahi'nin 'diyalojik yaklaşımı' ve Kuru'nun küresel entelektüel tarihe yaptığı vurgu gibi alternatif yaklaşımları göz önünde bulundurarak Uluslararası İlişkiler içerisinde gerçek bir diyalog ve kapsayıcılık oluşturmanın karmaşıklıklarını araştırmaktadır.

Keywords

Epistemolojik Özgürlük, Küresel Uluslararası İlişkiler, Küresel Güney, Entelektüel Tarih, Bilgi Üretimi

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