Political science has a long history of excluding people of color.
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Some of the most important thinkers in the field have denied the full humanity of certain groups. For example, social scientists studying democracy framed only certain racial groups as capable of “orderly” political action and “competent” citizenship. The study of international relations shaped the expansion and governance of European empires and centered the Earth’s North as the ‘norm of civilization’.
Two new books shed light on these histories and practices and suggest ways to do better.
In The Decolonization of Politics: An Introduction, international relations scholar Robbie Silam examines how these racial bases have structured scientific inquiry and policy practice. “Political decolonization” delving into both academic and political developments An accessible and engaging overview of many eras of political thought and action. It takes the reader on a journey “from the office of the powerful to the movement of the oppressed.”
To understand how race and racism have organized politics and political research, Silam calls on us to eccentrically publicize and eminent scholars. Each chapter juxtaposes influential thinkers (mostly based in the Global North) and the racial foundations of their research to simultaneously evolving perspectives and arguments in the Global South.
Consider, for example, the modernization theorists of the mid-twentieth century. This eminent group of social scientists, funded in part by the U.S. government, has played a key role in shaping policies and practices aimed at improving living standards around the world. They argued that an industrialized democracy – the dominant system of the Global North – was the ideal type for other countries to aspire to. Countries, especially those in the global South, should strive to “modernize” their economies and political systems to meet this standard.
But modernizers were not neutral observers. Their research agenda was embedded in the Cold War global struggle between capitalism and communism. The U.S. government then used these stories to help legitimize a bloody counterinsurgency program that destabilized an unfriendly regime in the name of “modernization.” This approach to human development continues to influence research and development interventions today.
But modernizers weren’t the only thinkers working at the time. John Saul, Giovanni Arigi and Walter Rodney, based at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, argued that a global unequal relationship between power and exploitation led to development for some and not for others. They viewed their work as restorative and positioned their solution to underdevelopment in combating these systems. This is a truly transformative ethical and political project for those on the fringes of global power.
This is “the art of decolonizing knowledge,” paying attention to ideas and perspectives in the margins. This approach requires thinking about how these margins and centers were formed and their implications for political life and political research. The discussion made in “The Decolonization of Politics” has important implications for how we approach scientific inquiry and understand its relationship to political practice.
With a similar focus on racist political structures and inequality, philosophy professor Orphemi O. Taiwo’s new book, Reconsidering Reparations, explores the historical perspective he calls the “global racial empire.” discusses reparations. This approach incorporates the way race and class intersect with other identities such as gender, settler status, ethnicity, religion and ability.
Taiwo argues for a “constructive view” of reparations that explains the regional, national and international impact of the global racial empire. This view is concrete and forward-looking, but grounded in a detailed historical understanding of how development and distribution have shaped the lives of marginalized peoples. Taiwo engages pan-African and black writers such as Oliver Cox, Nkechi Taifa, and Walter Rodney in conversations with dominant thinkers of political philosophy such as John Rawls.
“Reconsidering Reparations” focuses on the history of unequal distribution, but its highlight is the chapter on climate justice. Taiwo explains: But every aspect of tomorrow’s global racial empire will…and overthrow the interests of justice that our ancestors fought so hard for. ” These ancestors inspire Taiwo to act now. They are a reminder that the fight for justice is hard and long. But they can bear tremendous fruit.
Each of these books will inspire a wide range of readers. Both authors note that sometimes there are strong imperatives that justify their work. they refuse to do so. As Táíwò puts it, “Racism forces me to answer other people’s questions.” Instead, it shows how to carefully examine topics that matter to scholars and communities.
Silam picks up an underheard voice as a starting point for rethinking the scientific agenda and policy practice. Táíwò asked, “What is the form of social life that is compatible with our prosperity? What should our economy look like to accommodate our social problems?”
Táíwò and Shilliam conclude with a solution-oriented note that is clearly optimistic and empowering. Taiwo calls his approach “acting like an ancestor.” He provides a list of climate compensation goals and tactics, as well as specific examples of organizations and activists in each sector. These include unconditional cash transfers, global climate financing, ending tax havens, strengthening community governance, supporting citizen science, and more worker and community organizations in response to action by climate initiatives. It includes “negotiating for the common good” by binding.
Ciriam offers few concrete suggestions, but encourages us to “become agents of restoration” in solidarity with those affected by the Empire’s legacy. It is also very possible that there are activists and intellectuals who have not yet explored the ideas that can be done, and ancestors who paved the way for a better future.
Ankshi Mitra (@ankushi_mitra) is a PhD student in the Department of Government at Georgetown University. She studies citizenship, migration, and the political economy of development in Africa.
Lara Smith (@LahraSmith1) is a political scientist who studies citizenship, immigration and political development in Africa. She is an Associate Professor in the Walsh Department of Foreign Affairs and Government at Georgetown University and Director of the African Studies Program.
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Click here to view all books from the 9th Annual African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular.
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