How does critical theory study oppression in international relations?

In the study of international relations, critical theory examines oppression by focusing on the emancipation of human beings from social institutions and practices that limit their freedom. Originating from the Frankfurt School, this approach moves beyond traditional state-centered analysis to investigate how power structures, norms, and ideologies sustain domination.123

Critical theorists argue that international structures are not neutral but are social constructions that often reflect and serve the interests of elites. While rooted in Marxism, the theory recognizes that oppression is multifaceted, extending beyond class to include domination based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and nationalism.1

By analyzing these global landscapes, critical theory seeks to:
* Unmask Ideology: Challenge the "commonsensical" nature of dominant ideas—often termed hegemony—that legitimize existing power imbalances.2
* Critique Institutions: View international organizations as potential conduits for maintaining regimes of accumulation or absorbing counter-hegemonic resistance.2
* Promote Emancipation: Prioritize human liberation over the pursuit of scientific or technical knowledge as an end in itself, cautioning against systems that prioritize efficiency at the cost of human dignity.43