This book investigates decolonization as a local process and its connections to international relations, introducing "internal colonialism" as a crucial analytical category for internationalists, using Bolivia as a case study.
This book investigates decolonization as a local process and its connections to international relations, introducing "internal colonialism" as a crucial analytical category for internationalists. Using Bolivia as a case study, the author argues that the reshaping of colonialism and its resistance domestically is also reflected and reproduced abroad by political actors, be they the governments or indigenous movements.
By problematizing postcolonial debate concerning the constitution/reproduction of colonial logics in International Relations, the book proposes a return to the local to show how power relations are exercised concretely by the protagonists of political process. Such dynamics reveal the interrelationship between the local and the international, especially, in which the latter represents a necessary dimension to both reinforce colonialism and oppose colonial logics.
Of interest to scholars and students of IR, Latin American and Andean Studies, this book will also appeal to those working in the fields of area studies, anthropology, indigenous politics, comparative politics, decolonization and political ecology.
"Internal Colonialism and International Relations: Tracks of Decolonization in Bolivia provides a very insightful analysis of a decisive political process in Latin America. By focusing on decolonization and internal colonialism as fundamental analytical categories, the book brings a quite original reading of how the persistent colonial structures of international relations can be captured, questioned and resisted. Therefore, it is essential reading for all those interested in a critical understanding of international politics and it is definitely a major contribution to the field." - Ramon Blanco, Federal University of Latin-American Integration, Brazil, author of Peace as Government: The Will to Normalize Timor-Leste
"Ana Carolina Teixeira Delgado's Internal Colonialism and International Relations alters the way International and Development studies approach the who, where and how of decolonization. Based on the recent experience of decolonization in Bolivia, the book warns that as long as the focus of attention is on international institutions, the state, and a homogenous indigenous subjectivity, scholars are complicit in continuing colonial violence and domination. Internal Colonialism and International Relations is an invitation to make visible local struggles and their connections to the international. The book's call to pluriversalizing indigeneity and decoloniality is welcomed and urgent." - Cristina Rojas, Carleton University, Canada
"This is a fascinating book exploring the politics of coloniality and decoloniality in the transversal struggles around ideas of belonging, indigeneity, territory, development and material and cultural exploitation. It provides an in-depth analysis of the Bolivian case, presenting innovative conceptual tools for understanding the relationship of global connections and local frictions. A welcome read for scholars looking for alternative ways of seeing and engaging with the world of global and Latin American politics." - Carolina Moulin de Aguiar, Professor at UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais), Brazil; Secretary General of ABRi (Brazilian Association of International Relations)