Developing a Framework for Post-Colonial Narratives in 20th Century International Diplomacy

Thesis Abstract

The study investigates the role of post-colonial narratives in shaping 20th-century international diplomacy, emphasizing the need to understand how historical colonial legacies influence contemporary diplomatic discourse and power relations. Recognizing the dominance of Western-centric narratives in international negotiations and treaty formulations, this research aims to develop a comprehensive framework that elucidates how post-colonial perspectives are constructed, invoked, and contested within diplomatic contexts. The specific objectives include analyzing the extent to which post-colonial narratives are embedded in diplomatic communications, identifying the key actors and discourses involved, and proposing a theoretical model that integrates post-colonial theory with international relations paradigms. Employing a qualitative research design, the study combines thematic analysis and discourse analysis to examine both archival diplomatic documents and interviews with 30 diplomats, international lawyers, and scholar-practitioners from Africa, Asia, and Latin America collected through purposive sampling. The archival data encompass treaties, diplomatic correspondence, official statements, and policy documents from 1945 to 2000, sourced from international organizations and national archives. The primary data collection instruments include semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis guides, ensuring methodological triangulation. The theoretical underpinning draws upon Edward Said’s post-colonial theory and Robert Cox’s liberalism and critical theory frameworks to interpret power dynamics and narrative constructions within diplomatic contexts. Data analysis involves coding and thematization facilitated by NVivo software, complemented by narrative analysis to trace the evolution of post-colonial discourses and their impact on diplomatic strategies. Regression analysis is employed to quantify the influence of specific diplomatic actors and discourses on policy outcomes, while thematic analysis helps identify recurring patterns and themes related to post-colonial narratives’ roles and transformations across different geopolitical regions. The study also aims to develop a conceptual model illustrating the interaction between post-colonial discourses and diplomatic practices, thereby advancing theoretical understanding within the fields of history and international studies. Expected findings suggest that post-colonial narratives have significantly shaped diplomatic engagements, often as strategies of resistance or repositioning in international forums, with variations observed across regions and historical periods. The analysis is anticipated to reveal complex power relations manifesting through diplomatic language and discursive practices, affirming the relevance of post-colonial theory in contemporary international relations. Furthermore, the proposed framework will delineate mechanisms by which post-colonial identities influence diplomacy, contributing to a deeper understanding of historical legacies on present-day international cooperation and negotiation processes. This research contributes to knowledge by integrating post-colonial theory with diplomatic analysis, offering a new framework to critically assess the narratives that underpin international diplomacy and influence global governance. It addresses a notable gap in scholarly literature regarding the systematic incorporation of post-colonial perspectives into diplomatic history and practice. The study concludes with policy recommendations emphasizing the importance of inclusive diplomatic discourses that recognize post-colonial histories and identities to foster equitable global negotiations. Recommendations also advocate for training diplomats in post-colonial theory and discourse analysis as tools for fostering more nuanced and socially just international relations. Future research directions include empirical testing of the framework across different regional diplomatic settings and extending the analysis to encompass the digital transformation of diplomatic communication.