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Critical theory in crisis? A reconsideration
Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:05
Version 1 2023-06-10, 00:54
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:05 authored by Beate JahnThe recent rise of populism has generated a resurgence of interest in critical theory, in the wider public debate and in academia—with critical theory being variously accused of paving the way for post-truth politics, hailed as explaining the rise of populism, or criticized for failing to achieve its emancipatory political goals. Failure of the latter kind, many International Relations scholars argue, calls for a fundamental reform of critical theory if it is to address current political developments. Investigating this claim, this article makes three contributions: First, an empirical account shows that, far from failing, critical theory has been politically highly successful. Second, a theoretical reconstruction of critical theory shows that it is precisely this success that leads to the alienation of critical theorists from their own approach. In light of this analysis, third, the article concludes that the task of critical theory in times of Brexit and Trump does not lie in abandoning its core principles but in systematically applying them to a new historical conjuncture.
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Publication status
- Published
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- Published version
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European Journal of International RelationsISSN
1354-0661Publisher
SAGE PublicationsExternal DOI
Page range
1-26Department affiliated with
- International Relations Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-09-10First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-09-10First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-09-10Usage metrics
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