International Relations Theory and the Discourse on Terrorism: Preliminary Reflections on Context and Limits
Author(s)
Du Plessis, Anton
Abstract
This article focuses on an exploration of the intertwined relationship between colonizer and colonized subjects. These political, social and emotional relationships with historical roots persist in the present and draw upon deeply held fantasies, strong emotions and intense belief systems. These entrenched states are not external to subjectivity, a matter of politics that can be projected outwards, but rather are profoundly internalized and constitute part of contemporary subjectivity. It is important for group analysts to have an understanding of the continuing and damaging social and psychic effects and consequences on all subjectivities formed within this particular political and social constellation. Critical thinkers include: Homi Bhabha, Frantz Fanon, Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak and Robert Young.
