ABSTRACT

A critical sociological lens unveils the social and epistemic dependence of global humanist advocates on Western power structures, as well as their complicity in the reproduction of dominant political discourses. This condition of dependence results in an epistemic culture that is elitist, legalist, neoliberal, politically pragmatic and adverse to systemic change. This acquiescence with political power raises questions regarding advocates’ role in excluding heterodox voices in international affairs. It also calls into question their claims to disinterested universalism. In the context of eroding Western hegemony and growing multipolarity, this conclusory chapter anticipates future threats to their credibility. Rather than tightening their grasp on the diminishing façade of disinterested universalism, it is suggested that NGO advocates need to extract themselves from Western power structures in order to ensure their long-term legitimacy as authoritative voices striving for human betterment at the global level.