Critical Theory and International Relations

Steven C. Roach is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of South Florida.

"Critical Theory and International Relations will quickly become the standard reference for those interested in thinking dialectically about global politics. Roach covers the epistemological and theoretical diversity within critical theory with aplomb. A major accomplishment."--Randolph B. Persaud, American University, Washington, D.C. "Critical Theory and International Relations is in my view a significant contribution to the vigorous debates bearing on the interpretation of critical social thought and its relevance to international politics. The introduction by Steven Roach is extremely clear, thorough, and helpful. Topical, timely, and well-organized, this volume is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of critical theory to provoke challenging questions about the conditions and aims of global politics today."--Patrick Hayden, University of St. Andrews"Critical theory, broadly defined, is an integral part of contemporary international relations scholarship. With well-chosen selections from key texts spanning two centuries of critical theory, Roach traces the lineage of ideas animating some of the most exciting work in the field. This book provides an excellent introduction for the novice and a useful resource for the already initiated. It will be widely used."--Mark Laffey, Department of Politics and International Studies SOAS, University of London"In a period marked by the upsurge of militant ideologies—from dogmatic fundamentalism and jihadism to chauvinism and neo-imperialism—nothing seems more urgently required than a revival of critical questioning as exemplified by the tradition of "critical theory." At the same time, given the relentless process of globalization, there is also a need to rescue that tradition from a certain Eurocentric focus and extend its insights to the global arena. Steven Roach's reader seeks to meet both demands by offering a historical overview of critical theorizing from the Enlightenment to its present-day encounter with international politics. One can only hope that the volume will prompt widespread critical reflection on the profound dilemmas and inequities in the contemporary global disorder."--Fred Dallmayr, University of Notre Dame, author of Dialogue among Civilizations

• Introduction: From Critical Theory to Critical IR Theory Part 1: Abstract Universalism and the Critique of Reason 1. The Roots of Critical Theory: German Idealism Part 2: Historical Materialism 2. Internationalism, Hegemony, and Orthodoxy 3. Psychological Repression and the Perils of Modernity Part 3: Critical Synthesis 4. The Critique of Instrumental Reason: The Reification of Society 5. State Capitalism: Its Limitations and Possibilities Part 4: Global Society 6. Normative Basis: Communicative Action and Recognition 7. Normative/Critical IR Theory: The Emancipatory Project and Moral Commitment 8. Global Political Economy: Social Forces and Dialectic Part 5: A New Critical Phase? Normative Critical Theory and its Critics 9. Postmodern Thought: Genealogy, Power/Knowledge, and Deconstruction 10. Postmodernism and Feminism in IR 11. Normative/Critical IR Theory and its Response