The geopolitics of knowledge and the challenge of postcolonial agency

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project delves into the intricate dynamics of the geopolitics of knowledge and the ensuing challenges to postcolonial agency. The study explores how knowledge production, dissemination, and validation are deeply intertwined with power structures and geopolitical interests, often perpetuating colonial legacies and marginalizing voices from the Global South. By examining the historical contexts that have shaped knowledge systems and the ways in which they continue to influence contemporary discourses, this research aims to unveil the underlying power asymmetries that hinder the agency of postcolonial societies. Drawing on postcolonial theory, critical geopolitics, and decolonial studies, the research scrutinizes the ways in which knowledge is constructed as a tool of domination and resistance in the global arena. It investigates how dominant epistemologies have historically privileged Western perspectives while marginalizing indigenous, non-Western, and subaltern knowledges. Through a critical analysis of knowledge hierarchies and the politics of representation, the study seeks to illuminate the structural inequalities that underpin the production and circulation of knowledge on a global scale. Moreover, the research project unpacks the complex interplay between knowledge production and geopolitical agendas, highlighting the role of institutions, networks, and power relations in shaping intellectual landscapes. By examining case studies from different regions and disciplines, the study aims to elucidate the diverse ways in which knowledge is mobilized to assert and contest authority, influence policy decisions, and shape social realities. In doing so, the research underscores the importance of recognizing the multiplicity of knowledge systems and promoting epistemic diversity as a means of fostering inclusive and equitable forms of knowledge production. The findings of this research have significant implications for understanding the challenges faced by postcolonial societies in asserting their agency in an increasingly globalized world. By shedding light on the geopolitics of knowledge and its impact on decolonial struggles, the study contributes to ongoing debates on epistemic justice, intellectual sovereignty, and emancipatory politics. Ultimately, this research seeks to empower marginalized voices, challenge hegemonic narratives, and envision alternative futures based on principles of equality, solidarity, and mutual respect.