Article In: Journal of Language and Politics: Online-First Articles
To dare more critique
Discourse theory, foreign policy, and the imperative to change the world
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Abstract
This essay contributes to the debate about the relevance of discourse-theoretical approaches to Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA). It argues that Discursive Foreign Policy Analysis (DFPA) should strive for more relevance by engaging with broader audiences. One way of doing this is by returning to DFPA’s roots in critical theory and its dedication to ‘changing the world’, a feature that has been underdeveloped in DFPA. To gain broader relevance, DFPA should double-down on this ethical and political dimension and dare more critique. This argument is developed in three steps. First, discussing the calls for a ‘critical turn’ in FPA, I argue that these invitations can be used to rethink the FPA’s self-understanding in a more inclusive manner. Second, I discuss the character of critique in discourse theory, pushing DFPA towards a more active critical role. Third, I encourage DFPA scholars to act as public intellectuals and provide a brief guide.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.A ‘critical turn’? Engaging with mainstream FPA
- 3.Critique, discourse theory, foreign policy
- 4.Recovering public purpose
- 5.Conclusion
- Acknowledgments
- Notes
- Author queries
References
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