Open AccessCritical International Relations Theories and the Study of Arab Uprisings: A Critique
Author(s) -
Ahmed M. Abozaid
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
athens journal of social sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2408-0004
pISSN - 2241-7737
DOI - 10.30958/ajss.8-2-3
Subject(s) - status quo , critical theory , phenomenon , orientalism , international relations , middle east , political science , sociology , international relations theory , epistemology , perspective (graphical) , political economy , law , history , philosophy , politics , archaeology , artificial intelligence , computer science
This study articulates that most of the critical theorists are still strikingly neglecting the study of the Arab Uprising(s) adequately. After almost a decade of the eruption of the so-called Arab Uprisings, the study claims that the volume of scholarly engaging of dominate Western International Relations (IR) theories with such unprecedented events is still substantially unpretentious. Likewise, and most importantly, the study also indicates that most of these theories, including the critical theory of IR (both Frankfurt and Habermasian versions), have discussed, engaged, analysed, and interpreted the Arab Spring (a term usually perceived to be orientalist, troubling, totally inappropriate and passive phenomenon) indicate a strong and durable egoistic Western perspective that emphasis on the preservation of the status quo and ensure the interests of Western and neoliberal elites, and the robustness of counter-revolutionary regimes. On the other hand, the writings and scholarships that reflexively engaged and represent the authentic Arab views, interests, and prospects were clearly demonstrating a strong and durable scarce, if not entirely missing. Keywords: International Relations, Critical Theory, Postcolonial, Arab Uprising(s), Middle East, Revolutions.