Academic research should ideally have an ontological foundation as the basis for the subsequent epistemological approach chosen. A major problem of international studies is the diverse and competing paradigms that inform the international agenda. History and philosophy are key to addressing this diversity through ontological assumptions and foundational questions about the nature of people, the broad characteristics of the state, and of international society.[1]
There are a variety of reasons why research in international studies is crucial but this paper will briefly examine two. First is the conjectural nature of domestic policies which tends to undermine international studies as a whole.[2] This means there is a need for systematic and methodical aggregation of domestic policies whilst ensuring there is equitable recognition of contributions from the sources which will be assumed to be majorly state actors. This brings us to the second reason which is the dominant eurocentric view of African history which has meant that African scholars tend to acquiesce to foreign literature in international studies. The significance of academic research in international studies to the African context should be to counterbalance theories and literature that legitimizes Anglo-American imperialism in International studies.[3]
For the purpose and context of this paper if we examine positivist and post-positivist epistemology, whichever approach is taken, realism has been the ontological disposition of how the West and has related with Africa. The continuous dependence of African scholars on Eurocentric epistemology means they cannot untangle themselves from the intellectual imperialism prevalent in African epistemology. This is compounded by the conjectural nature of sources of information available to international studies even if a thorough positivist approach is taken.
Documents available for research in international studies and specifically international relations seldom bequeath truthful information to historians or academicians. They are usually produced as instruments of political action. Academic research touching on sensitive areas like national security is rarely available and access tends to be limited to government bureaucrats.[4]
To further illustrate the significant contribution academic research in international studies can make we can examine the diverse impact of international relations on science and technology and vice versa. Weiss posits that Science and technology not only pervades the issues with which the international system must deal with, but also have a fundamental influence on the overall architecture of the system itself. For this reason, it is of critical importance that the impacts of science and technology become part of mainstream research in international studies.[5] This is also an area not yet encumbered epistemologically by Eurocentric bias and conjecture. Science and technology indeed have been the launchpad of emerging powers like China and India.
In conclusion, it is clear we cannot disapprove the existing Eurocentric approach to research however we can critic it. Using Hegel’s dialectic method can be a logical approach taking into account the different cultures, religions, political and economic systems that encompass the international environment and their contribution. Egalitarian structures also need to be put in place to collate the different works of research that are churned globally. Also, a clear and inclusive redefinition of the ontology of international studies will provide direction to how epistemology will be carried out.
[1] Karen A. Mingst and Ivan M. Arreguin-Toft, Essentials of International Relations (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2017), 10
[2] Cyril E. Black, “Accessibility of Government-Sponsored Research in International Studies,” International Studies Quarterly, Vol. 14, No. 3 (Sep., 1970), pp. 320-324
[3] Olukayode A. Faleye, “Africa and International Relations theory: acquiescence and responses,” Journal of Globalization Studies, No. 5(2014)
[4] Arnold Toynbee and Veronica Toynbee, “Problems of Research in International Relations,” International Studies 3,(1961):3
[5] Charles Weiss, “Science, technology and international relations,” Technology in Society 27,(2005) 309
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Tuesday Orina Masaki