Critical race theory and decolonial theory

What is the best way to think about race and racism?
In the recent period two approaches have become very prominent. Having its origins in analysing such things in the context of the United States of America, critical race theory is now being used to think about the institutional and power structures of racial orders elsewhere. It has its strengths in thinking about race and racism in specific contexts in specific time-frames. Decoloniality has its analytical gaze turned on global contexts and the long temporal reach of structures of thought and discourse as well as materiality, put in place by empire and imperialism as well as colonialism. It is a way of thinking about flows across national borders and over long periods of time, in order to recognise the wider patterns of power, authority and oppression involved. Some kind of synergy between the two promises considerable analytical purchase. There are encouraging signs that this is coming into being, from the hints provided by journal articles across a range of disciplines, interdisciplines and postdisciplines.

Last updated: 28 October 2022