ABSTRACT
Ideas, institutions and material capabilities generate structures which open up opportunities to exercise power. Thus, knowledge is not politically neutral, while theories may help sustain or undermine political status quo. Are theories always for someone and for some purpose?
If yes, as critical theorists suppose, than efforts should be taken to critically examine existing social orders with a specific view to battle injustice – and this chapter is focused on such efforts. Emphasis could be made on communication and dialogue, progressive norms or any other way of incorporating as many voices as possible. Current stage of evolution of international politics provides high chances for reshaping international community and arranging it along post-Westphalian lines, marked by transnationalization of democracy, transformation of the role of state sovereignty and globalization. In the meanwhile, distinctions between problem-solving and critical theories will be exposed and utilized; with the latter’s core task lying in revealing inequality, hegemony and structural violence – and making things better.
