Reshaping International Relations: Theoretical Innovations from Africa

Year 2018, , 81 - 92, 13.06.2018

Karen Smith

https://doi.org/10.20991/allazimuth.335811

Cited By: 1

Abstract

This article is based on the assumption that theoretical contributions from the

global South – and in this case, from Africa, do not need to be radically different

from existing theories to constitute an advancement in terms of engendering

a better understanding of international relations. Reinterpretations or

modifications of existing frameworks and the introduction of new concepts

for understanding are equally important. This is an accepted practice in

mainstream IR, where existing theories are constantly amended and revisited.

One need only consider the various incarnations of realist thought.While

adaptations and conceptual innovations by western scholars are recognised

as legitimate and adopted into the canon of theory, this is not always the case

with similar contributions emerging from outside of the West. This article will

examine three examples of such contributions by African scholars.1The first

group of scholars reinterpreted the concept of “middle power,” arguing that

there are specific characteristics that set emerging middle powers like South

Africa apart from traditional middle powers. The second, Deon Geldenhuys,

developed the concept “isolated states” and generated a novel analytical

framework to categorise states based on indicators of isolation. Finally, Thomas

Tieku draws on the African worldview of ubuntu in calling for the state to be

reconceptualised in a collectivist, societal way. It is hoped that these examples

will illustrate that there are theoretical innovations emerging from the Global

South that can assist us in not only better understanding international relations

in a particular part of the world, but can in fact provide greater insights into

the field as a whole.

Keywords

South Africa, middle power, emerging states, ubuntu, homegrown theorizing, non-Western IR

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