The unmasking of Racism in US Foreign Policy: A Call for Decolonizing International Relations
For decades, the study of International Relations (IR) has largely operated under a veil of abstraction, often overlooking the potent influence of race.However, recent events – especially during and following the Trump governance – have forced a reckoning. US foreign policy, while historically transactional, has demonstrably been shaped by racial biases, moving beyond implicit undertones to a more overt expression. This isn’t simply a matter of individual prejudice; it’s a systemic issue demanding a basic re-evaluation of how we understand global politics.
The Trump era highlighted a shift in how the US approached the world. Beyond conventional geopolitical calculations, decisions appeared driven by personal gain, access to resources, or bolstering US investment – even in ethically questionable contexts, like the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. But to truly understand this shift, we must acknowledge the role of a burgeoning “conservative international,” as described by C. Rajamohan, a marriage of convenience between populism, pro-market policies, anti-immigration sentiment, and, crucially, racist ideologies.
why Race Matters in IR
Ignoring race in IR isn’t just an oversight; it actively perpetuates a colonial legacy. Here’s why it’s critical to address this:
* Historical Context: The foundations of the international order were built during periods of overt colonialism and racial hierarchy. These power dynamics haven’t disappeared; they’ve been reconfigured.
* Policy Framing: Racial biases influence how political leaders perceive and respond to global events, shaping foreign policy objectives and strategies.
* Domestic-Foreign Policy Link: Internal racial dynamics directly impact a nation’s external relations. Domestic anxieties and prejudices frequently enough project onto the international stage.
* The “Racist Mask” Removed: As Pratap Bhanu Mehta observed in the context of Ukraine, the Trump administration saw a shedding of the pretense surrounding racism in international affairs. It became normalized, benefiting millions and demonstrating a staying power that extends beyond any single administration.
* Continued Relevance: Even after Trump’s departure, racist discourse remains deeply embedded in US society, suggesting its continued influence on foreign policy.
This isn’t about assigning blame to individuals. It’s about recognizing a systemic problem.
What Can You Do as an IR scholar, Student, or Educator?
The challenge before us is notable, but not insurmountable. We need a concerted effort to “deracialize” IR, a crucial component of the broader decolonization project. Here’s how we can begin:
* Re-evaluate Your Syllabus: Critically examine your course materials. Are diverse voices and perspectives represented? Do they challenge Eurocentric narratives?
* Challenge Epistemic Hierarchies: Question the dominant theories and assumptions within IR. Whose knowledge is privileged, and whose is marginalized?
* Foster Political Consciousness: Encourage critical thinking and debate about the role of race and power in global politics.
* Embrace Conjoined Histories: As Sankaran Krishna eloquently states, we must “work and see around the dazzling blindness of white IR,” acknowledging the interconnected histories that shape our discipline.