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Critical Theory and Welsh School of Security Studies
Nikita Minin
KMVES FSS MUNI

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Traditional vs. Critical Theory
Max Horkheimer
1937
In IR: Problem-Solving vs. Critical Theories
 (Robert Cox, 1981)

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Critical Theory: Assumptions


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Critical Theory
•General formula (Spegele 2002): I study international relations to emancipate [X] from structure
or condition [Y] in order to achieve [Z]
•
•E.g.: I study IR to emancipate workers in sweatshops [X] from exploitative work conditions [Y] in
order to achieve more just society [Z]
•
•
Let’s watch something =)
Deadly fashion: https://vimeo.com/143868534
Niger delta: http://veroniquedeviguerie.com/project/the-oil-war-niger-delta/#gallery/1940/441

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Galtung’s Triangle of Violence


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Critical Security Studies (CSS)
Welsh School
Established at the University of Aberystwyth
K. Booth
R. Jones
A. Linklater

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Dimensions of CSS
•Broadening
•“Military questions will obviously continue to have an important part in the concerns of all
students of international politics. However, it is doubtful whether they will be as central a
preoccupation, except for some obvious regional conflicts. This is because the institution of
inter-state war is in historic decline” (Booth, 1991:316).
•
•Extending
•“Those entities called ‘states’ are obviously important features of world politics, but they are
unreliable, illogical and too diverse in their character to use as the primary referent objects for
a comprehensive theory of security” (Booth, 1991: 320).
•
•Methodological Individualism
Interregnum: “The old is dying, and the new cannot be born” (Gramsci)

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In a group of 2-3 people based on your own understanding discuss the following questions:
Security vs. Emancipation

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It calls for action => transformational potential
The “real security” is provided by emancipation: holistic and non-statist approach
Focusing: Security as Emancipation

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•“We can begin or continue pursuing emancipation in what we research, in how we teach, in what we
put on conference agendas, in how much we support Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Oxfam and
other groups … and in how we deal with each other and with students.
•in pursuing emancipation, the bases of real security are being established.” (Booth 1991: 326)
Emancipatory Realism