Glossary

, a method developed by , examines how power shapes knowledge and truth in international relations. It challenges traditional narratives, questioning the origins of accepted concepts and practices. This approach emphasizes historical contingency and the role of power in shaping dominant discourses.

Foucault's genealogical method investigates how certain forms of knowledge become dominant while others are marginalized. It explores the connection between power and knowledge, analyzing how discourses emerge and gain authority. This approach provides a critical lens for examining international relations theories and concepts.

Foucault's genealogical approach

  • Genealogy is a method of historical analysis developed by Michel Foucault that examines the emergence and transformations of discourses, practices, and institutions
  • Foucault's genealogical approach challenges traditional historical narratives and questions the origins and of taken-for-granted concepts and practices in international relations
  • Genealogy emphasizes the role of power relations in shaping knowledge and truth, and seeks to uncover the ways in which certain forms of knowledge become dominant while others are marginalized or suppressed

Power and knowledge

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Top images from around the web for Power and knowledge

  • Power and legitimacy of the G20 in a multilateral governance system | Heinrich Böll Foundation View original

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  • Foucault’s Discipline & Punish–outline of parts 1 and 3 – You're the Teacher View original

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  • Power and legitimacy of the G20 in a multilateral governance system | Heinrich Böll Foundation View original

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  • Foucault argues that power and knowledge are intimately connected and mutually reinforcing
  • Power relations shape what counts as legitimate knowledge and truth, while knowledge in turn supports and justifies existing power structures
  • Genealogy examines how particular forms of knowledge emerge and become dominant through the exercise of power (, )

Discourse and truth

  • Foucault understands discourse as a set of statements, practices, and institutions that produce and regulate knowledge and truth
  • Genealogy investigates the historical conditions and power relations that enable certain discourses to emerge and gain authority while others are excluded or silenced
  • Foucault challenges the idea of universal, objective truth and instead emphasizes the historical contingency and situatedness of truth claims ()

Subjugated knowledges

  • Genealogy seeks to recover and give voice to - forms of knowledge that have been disqualified, marginalized, or suppressed by dominant discourses and power structures
  • Subjugated knowledges include local, popular, and indigenous knowledges that challenge the authority of scientific and expert knowledge
  • By bringing subjugated knowledges to light, genealogy aims to destabilize dominant narratives and open up space for alternative perspectives and forms of resistance ()

Genealogy vs archaeology

  • Foucault's earlier archaeological method focused on analyzing the rules and conditions that govern the production of knowledge within a particular historical period or episteme
  • In contrast, genealogy emphasizes the role of power relations in shaping knowledge and attends to the discontinuities, ruptures, and transformations in the history of discourses and practices

Continuity and discontinuity

  • While archaeology seeks to identify the underlying continuities and regularities in the formation of knowledge, genealogy highlights the discontinuities and ruptures in history
  • Genealogy rejects the idea of linear progress and instead emphasizes the contingency and fragility of historical developments
  • Foucault argues that discontinuities and ruptures are essential for understanding the emergence of new forms of knowledge, power, and subjectivity ()

Historical contingency

  • Genealogy emphasizes the historical contingency of social and political phenomena, arguing that things could have been otherwise
  • Rather than searching for timeless essences or origins, genealogy traces the complex, contingent, and often accidental processes through which certain practices and institutions emerge and become dominant
  • By highlighting historical contingency, genealogy opens up possibilities for critique and transformation ()

Ruptures and transformations

  • Genealogy attends to the in the history of discourses and practices, examining how new forms of knowledge and power emerge through breaks with the past
  • Foucault argues that major historical shifts (scientific revolutions, political upheavals) involve fundamental reconfigurations of the relations between power, knowledge, and subjectivity
  • By tracing these ruptures and transformations, genealogy aims to denaturalize the present and show how things that appear necessary or inevitable are in fact the product of contingent historical processes

Genealogy in international relations

  • Genealogical approaches in IR challenge the ahistorical and universalizing tendencies of traditional theories and question the taken-for-granted assumptions that underpin key concepts and practices in global politics
  • Genealogy offers a critical perspective on the historical emergence and transformations of international norms, institutions, and power relations, highlighting their contingency and contestability

Challenging traditional IR theories

  • Genealogy problematizes the foundationalist assumptions of traditional IR theories (realism, liberalism) and their claims to objective, scientific knowledge
  • By situating IR theories within their historical and political contexts, genealogy reveals their complicity with dominant power structures and their role in reproducing particular forms of international order
  • Genealogical analyses challenge the universality and timelessness of IR concepts (anarchy, balance of power) and show how they are shaped by specific historical conditions and power relations

Problematizing sovereignty

  • Genealogy questions the naturalness and inevitability of the modern state system and the principle of that underpins it
  • By tracing the historical emergence of sovereignty as a political technology, genealogy reveals its contingency and its entanglement with particular forms of power and subjectivity (disciplinary power, )
  • Genealogical analyses problematize the sharp distinction between the domestic and the international and show how the production of sovereign states is intimately connected to the production of international order

Rethinking power in global politics

  • Genealogy offers a more expansive and relational understanding of power in international relations, moving beyond the narrow focus on military and economic capabilities
  • By attending to the micro-physics of power and the ways in which power operates through knowledge, discourse, and subjectivity, genealogy highlights the productive and constitutive effects of power in shaping global politics
  • Genealogical analyses examine how particular forms of power (disciplinary power, biopower) emerge and circulate through international institutions, practices, and discourses (development, human rights)

Applications of genealogy

  • Genealogical approaches have been applied to a wide range of issues and domains in international relations, offering critical perspectives on the historical emergence and transformations of key concepts, practices, and institutions

Genealogy of war and peace

  • Genealogical analyses examine the changing discourses and practices of war and peace throughout history, challenging the idea of a linear progression towards more peaceful and civilized forms of international relations
  • By tracing the emergence of particular ways of conceptualizing and conducting war (just war theory, total war), genealogy reveals their contingency and their entanglement with specific forms of power and subjectivity
  • Genealogical approaches also problematize the binary opposition between war and peace and show how the pursuit of peace can itself be a form of power and domination (liberal peace, humanitarian intervention)

Genealogy of diplomacy

  • Genealogy investigates the historical emergence and transformations of diplomatic practices and institutions, questioning their naturalness and inevitability
  • By examining the changing forms of diplomatic knowledge, discourse, and subjectivity (ambassador, diplomatic protocol), genealogy reveals the power relations and historical contingencies that shape the conduct of diplomacy
  • Genealogical analyses also problematize the distinction between public and private diplomacy and show how diplomatic practices are intimately connected to the production of international order and hierarchy

Genealogy of international law

  • Genealogy offers a critical perspective on the historical emergence and development of international law, challenging its claims to universality and neutrality
  • By tracing the colonial and imperial origins of international law, genealogy reveals its complicity with dominant power structures and its role in legitimizing and reproducing global inequalities
  • Genealogical analyses examine how particular legal concepts and doctrines (sovereignty, self-determination) emerge and evolve through the interplay of power, knowledge, and subjectivity in the international legal system

Critiques of genealogy

  • Genealogical approaches have been subject to various criticisms and challenges, both in terms of their theoretical assumptions and their methodological and normative implications

Relativism and nihilism

  • Critics argue that genealogy's emphasis on the historical contingency and situatedness of knowledge and truth can lead to a form of relativism or nihilism that undermines the possibility of objective knowledge and moral judgement
  • By questioning the foundations of truth and morality, genealogy is accused of promoting a 'anything goes' attitude that can be politically disabling and intellectually irresponsible
  • Defenders of genealogy argue that recognizing the historical contingency of knowledge and values does not necessarily entail a rejection of truth or morality, but rather calls for a more reflexive and situated approach to normative and epistemological questions

Lack of normative foundations

  • Critics argue that genealogy's suspicion of normative foundations and its emphasis on the entanglement of power and knowledge leaves it without a clear basis for political and ethical critique
  • By deconstructing the universalist claims of traditional political theories and moral philosophies, genealogy is accused of undermining the possibility of normative critique and political resistance
  • Proponents of genealogy argue that the method can still provide a basis for critique by revealing the contingency and contestability of dominant norms and practices, and by opening up space for alternative forms of subjectivity and resistance

Methodological challenges

  • Genealogy faces various methodological challenges in terms of the selection and interpretation of historical sources, the demarcation of relevant periods and contexts, and the validation of genealogical claims
  • Critics argue that genealogical analyses can be selective and arbitrary in their use of historical evidence, and that they often rely on speculative and unverifiable claims about the motives and intentions of historical actors
  • Defenders of genealogy argue that the method's aim is not to provide a definitive or exhaustive account of history, but rather to problematize dominant narratives and open up new perspectives on the past and present

Key Terms to Review (25)

Archival research: Archival research refers to the systematic examination of documents, records, and other historical materials preserved in archives to gather evidence and insights about past events, trends, or phenomena. This type of research allows scholars to trace the genealogy of ideas, concepts, and practices by analyzing primary sources, which helps in understanding how these elements have evolved over time.
Biopolitics: Biopolitics refers to the intersection of human life and political governance, focusing on how states regulate populations through various policies and practices that manage the health, sexuality, and well-being of citizens. This concept emphasizes how power is exercised not only through laws and politics but also through the administration of life itself, shaping individual and collective identities. By controlling aspects of life, biopolitics highlights the relationship between state power and the biological existence of people.
Biopower: Biopower is a concept that refers to the strategies and mechanisms through which modern states regulate their populations through an intersection of governance and the management of life. This form of power encompasses a range of practices, including health, education, and social policies, that seek to optimize the well-being of populations while simultaneously exerting control over individual bodies. Biopower connects closely with the historical development of governance and the ways in which societies manage life itself.
Constructivism: Constructivism is a theoretical approach in international relations that emphasizes the social construction of reality, where the identities and interests of actors are shaped by their interactions and shared norms. It challenges the materialist perspectives of realism and liberalism, focusing instead on how beliefs, ideas, and values influence international politics.
Contextualization: Contextualization refers to the process of placing information or events within a specific context to enhance understanding and meaning. It involves considering the historical, cultural, and social circumstances surrounding a subject to provide deeper insights and connections. By contextualizing information, one can grasp its significance and relevance more clearly.
Disciplinary power: Disciplinary power is a form of power that operates through the regulation of individuals' behavior, actions, and thoughts, primarily by institutions and social norms. It emphasizes the importance of surveillance, normalization, and examination in shaping how people conduct themselves within society. This type of power is often subtle and pervasive, influencing personal and collective identities without overt force.
Discourse analysis: Discourse analysis is a method of studying language in use, focusing on how communication shapes and is shaped by social contexts, power dynamics, and identities. This approach emphasizes the role of language in constructing meaning and understanding the underlying assumptions and beliefs that inform various forms of communication. It connects deeply with issues of power, ideology, and subjectivity across different theoretical frameworks.
Epistemic breaks: Epistemic breaks refer to significant shifts in knowledge frameworks that alter the way we understand and interpret reality. These breaks can result from changes in social, political, or cultural contexts that challenge existing paradigms, leading to new ways of thinking and understanding power dynamics and structures.
Epistemology: Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge. It addresses questions like 'What is knowledge?' and 'How do we know what we know?' This field connects closely with historical analysis, examining how knowledge has evolved over time and the influence of various cultural and social contexts on our understanding.
Genealogy: Genealogy is the study of family history and lineage, focusing on the descent of individuals and the relationships between ancestors and descendants. This concept is essential in understanding how historical narratives are constructed and how power dynamics are shaped over time through social, political, and cultural frameworks.
Governmentality: Governmentality is a concept that refers to the various ways in which governments exercise control over the population and how individuals internalize this governance in their daily lives. It encompasses the techniques, strategies, and rationalities that governments use to regulate behavior and organize society, highlighting the relationship between power and knowledge. This term connects closely to broader discussions about authority, discipline, and the ways individuals are shaped by and contribute to governance.
Historical materialism: Historical materialism is a methodological approach to understanding society and history, emphasizing the role of material conditions and economic factors in shaping social structures and human relations. This perspective suggests that the economic base of a society influences its superstructure, which includes politics, culture, and ideology. Historical materialism connects deeply with theories of class struggle and the evolution of societies over time.
History of the present: The history of the present is a concept that examines how current events, ideologies, and practices have been shaped by historical processes. It emphasizes understanding contemporary issues by tracing their origins and transformations over time, revealing the power dynamics and social constructs that influence present-day realities.
Insurrection of subjugated knowledges: The insurrection of subjugated knowledges refers to the emergence and assertion of marginalized, overlooked, or suppressed forms of knowledge and perspectives that challenge dominant narratives and power structures. This concept highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse experiences and insights from those who have historically been silenced or ignored, contributing to a more inclusive understanding of history and society.
Legitimacy: Legitimacy refers to the recognized right of an authority, often a governing body or institution, to exercise power and make decisions. It plays a critical role in maintaining stability and order within societies, as legitimacy is often derived from various sources including legal frameworks, cultural norms, and popular consent. The concept is essential for understanding how institutions operate effectively and how they gain the support of the populace.
Michel Foucault: Michel Foucault was a French philosopher and social theorist known for his influential ideas on power, knowledge, and discourse. He challenged traditional ways of understanding society and history, emphasizing how discourse shapes our understanding of truth and how power operates through various institutions. His work laid the groundwork for concepts related to poststructuralism and postmodernism, and his methods of analysis have been pivotal in the fields of social sciences and humanities.
Post-structuralism: Post-structuralism is an intellectual movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, challenging the ideas of structuralism by emphasizing the fluidity of meaning and the instability of language. It argues that knowledge is not fixed or universal but is shaped by social, historical, and cultural contexts. This perspective significantly influences various fields, including politics, literature, and philosophy, encouraging a critical examination of how power dynamics shape interpretations and knowledge production.
Power/knowledge: Power/knowledge refers to the idea that power and knowledge are interconnected, where knowledge is both a tool for exercising power and a product of power relations. This concept highlights how what we know is influenced by social, political, and historical contexts, suggesting that knowledge is not neutral but is shaped by the dynamics of power. Understanding this connection helps to reveal the underlying structures that influence what is accepted as truth in society.
Qualitative analysis: Qualitative analysis refers to a research method focused on understanding the meanings, experiences, and concepts behind social phenomena, rather than relying solely on numerical data. This approach emphasizes depth over breadth, seeking to uncover insights through detailed examination of texts, interviews, and other non-quantifiable sources. It is particularly valuable in fields where context and subjective interpretation are crucial, such as in historical studies or gender analyses.
Regime of truth: A regime of truth refers to the specific systems, beliefs, and structures through which knowledge is constructed and validated in a society. It highlights how certain truths are established, maintained, and disseminated, shaping collective understanding and societal norms. This concept often connects to power dynamics, where the prevailing regimes influence what is considered valid knowledge and who gets to define it.
Ruptures and transformations: Ruptures and transformations refer to significant breaks or shifts in historical, social, or political contexts that alter existing structures or narratives. These concepts highlight the dynamic nature of history, illustrating how profound changes can lead to new forms of organization, power dynamics, and understandings of identity and culture.
Social constructivism: Social constructivism is a theory in international relations that emphasizes the role of social structures, including ideas, beliefs, and identities, in shaping the behavior of states and other actors. It posits that the international system is not just a realm of material power but is also constructed through social interactions and shared meanings, affecting how states perceive their interests and their actions on the global stage.
Sovereignty: Sovereignty is the authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions independently, free from external interference. This concept is central to understanding statehood, territorial integrity, and the legitimacy of governments, which are foundational elements in various international relations theories and frameworks.
Subjugated knowledges: Subjugated knowledges refer to forms of understanding and perspectives that have been marginalized or oppressed by dominant discourses, often arising from the experiences of marginalized groups. These knowledges challenge conventional narratives and can provide alternative insights that highlight power dynamics and social inequalities.
Thomas Kuhn: Thomas Kuhn was an American philosopher of science best known for his concept of paradigm shifts, which describes how scientific progress occurs through revolutionary changes in thought rather than through a linear accumulation of knowledge. His ideas challenge traditional views of scientific development, emphasizing that shifts in paradigms reshape not only scientific theories but also the underlying beliefs and practices within the scientific community.
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