Widening the World of IR: A Typology of Homegrown Theorizing

Abstract

It is rare that a recognized voice from non-Western world makes an impression in International Relations theory. While a few studies have looked at the structural and institutional constraints that contribute to such lack of recognition, part of the problem stems from confusion around the definition of what theorizing out of the non-Western world actually is. Based on a review of studies that embody indigenous conceptualizations of international phenomena in the periphery, we first define such 'homegrown' theorizing as original theorizing in the periphery about the periphery. By elaborating on these conceptualizations' specific methods in building theories, we then provide a typology of homegrown theories and assess each theory building method in terms of its potential for global acceptance and further development. We substantiate our arguments on global acceptance by drawing on a comparison of the citation counts of 18 homegrown theories. In doing so, we try to give voice to some of the most prominent scholarly and intellectual efforts stemming from the periphery, and provide a guide for Western scholars on how to engage with homegrown theorizing in a more intellectually stimulating manner. The article concludes by highlighting a number of critical factors in opening up space for different voices in the world of IR.

‘Peace is not just the suspension of war:’ peace communication on Twitter

“…Additional data collection was needed to analyze the actors, their roles, and their connections within and among the selected organizations and events. I argue that such inquiries would offer important insights, for example, regarding actor networks, power relations, and the issues surrounding the Western expertise (Alejandro, 2017;Aydınlı & Biltekin, 2018).…”

All Azimuth, Insight Turkey ve Uluslararası İlişkiler Dergilerinde Yayımlanan Makalelerde Genel Bilim Felsefesinin Yeri

“…No.9/Aydınlı ve Biltekin'in makalesi 50 ana akım teorilerin yanında yerli teorilerin varlığını sorgulamaktadır. Yerli teorilerin inşası sürecinde ele alınan kavram, düşünce, bilgi kaynakları ve yöntemler ortaya konulmaktadır.…”

The Interactions of International Relations: Racism, Colonialism, Producer-Centred Research

“…Establishing this completes efficacy's evaluation, however, it is complicated by PCR possibly generating irrationality in rationality's terms while addressing it, raising the spectre of occlusion or preclusion. To elaborate, in eradicating colonialism, PCR is an "authentic homegrown" hermeneutic that can unearth "authentic homegrown" rationalities, 84 as it does with "secrecy". This is efficacious for operating beyond colonialism and so revealing what is actually going on, but this may elude the context's colonialism, or it may obstruct PCR from progressing.…”