1) Course overview, methods of evaluation, defining terminology 2) A history of the development of postcolonial studies and its leading proponents and opponents.

To examine the application of postcolonial critical thought within IR theory; readdressing current understandings of global power dynamics and concepts of hegemony, sovereignty and the nation-state.

Building on the primary theoretical concepts of critical IR theory with a series of real-world examples of “global” IR theory from a host of regions and states; including, Japan, China, India, and North America mapping the growing field of “non-Western IR” theory.

Using the British colonial experience as a foundation – namely the ‘scramble for Africa,’ the colonization of India and the development of ‘gunboat diplomacy’ in Asia, students will learn the origins, motivations and outcomes of the European ‘new imperialist’ era and how it may be better understood through a postcolonial critical lens.

Using a series of current African thinkers, students will analyze the leading challenges faced by young postcolonial African nation-states (in the 1950s, 60s and 70s); not only from the spatial, political and economic perspectives but critically, the cultural and sociological. Ghana will be used as a central case study.

To understand the perpetuation of Western economic dominance of the Global South through neocolonial structures. Françafrique, specifically the continued usage of the CFA France in west and central Africa, will be given special attention.

A documentary that shows the inherent link between black oppression in the United States and the suppression of African independence movements during the Cold War in the 1950s and 60s. Grimonprez masterfully weaves together Belgian mining interests, CIA anti-communism, and American soft power via Jazz musicians, culminating in the assassination of postcolonial leader and Congolese Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba.

Students are given a close look into the world of international humanitarianism with a special guest lecture from MSF Czech Director, Tomáš Bendl, who recently returned from a two-month mission in Sudan. Tomáš’ previous missions include: South Sudan (2021), Ukraine (2022), Afghanistan (2022/3), and Lebanon (2024). Tomáš worked as Head of Comms at MSF for eight years before becoming Czech Director. His guest lecture will give particular focus to the unfolding Ebola outbreak in the DRC.

Continuing on from the previous week’s content, students will now move deeper into the topic of violence and resistance using a series of case studies (Israel-Palestine, South Africa and Myanmar). Students will aim to understand the arguments for and against such actions, and how perspectives and positionalities greatly impact this understanding within a postcolonial context.

Utilizing Homi Bhabha’s concept of Hybridity, as discussed in Class One, students will apply this theory practically within state foreign policy and international relations more broadly, aiming to establish a potentially more nuanced and respectful form of interaction.

Based on all classes and readings from the whole course. The exam will be in the form of two short essays.