Structuralism and Critical Theories in Global Relations

Structuralism and Global System Relationships

Structuralism: The most important aspects are the relationships within the system, rather than individual actors or subjects. It focuses on dependence and domination, originating from Marxism. It maintains an international vision, where the primary concern is the economic base in the sense of domination. Proponents speak of a "unit" because some earn much more than others.

The Rise of Critical Theory and Horkheimer

Connected with structuralism, we find several critical theories. Original Critical Theory: Horkheimer emerged in Germany and wrote a highly influential work in 1937: "Traditional Theory and Critical Theory." This work argued that science does not explain reality, as scientists are not outside of reality. A critical theory is a science aware of its limitations. Only then can it expose ideas that purport to be scientific but which are basically ideological. Critical theory is aware of what it is.

Dependency Theory in International Relations

Dependency Theory: A large group of American thinkers in the 1950s applied this knowledge to International Relations under the name of "dependency theory," which was applied especially between the 1960s and 1970s. The concept of dependency explains why some countries are rich while others depend on them, unable to change the situation. Dependency theorists wonder how long it will take for change to occur, bearing in mind that some countries are unable to exploit their resources and therefore cannot develop.

Center-Periphery Analysis and World-System Theory

Center-Periphery Analysis: The great theorist was Gunder Frank. The economist Samir Amin, along with Gunder Frank, stated that there are rich and poor societies; the rich control the world while the poor depend on the rich.

The World-System Concept

World-System Concept: Developed by Wallerstein, he realizes that the system of inequality, dependency, and center-periphery began five centuries ago. By the 1980s, another author named Robert Cox emerged, who in 1981 said: "Invariably, the theory works for someone and for a specific purpose. Every theory has a perspective." To understand how the world works, it is not enough to know concepts like "state" or "hegemony"; one also needs to know who writes what and for whom.