Postcolonialism

I disagree with Lauren that postcolonial theory cannot explain the current system and does not clarify day to day events. Muppidi asks us to understand not only how we will interpret a certain event, but also how other countries will see a different reality in the same event. Understanding how an ally or an enemy perceives reality could have extremely practical uses. If the United States had spent the time to understand how the three different groups in Iraq perceived themselves and each other before attacking, I think that U.S. policy would have been much different, and perhaps some of the civil conflict could have been prevented. Understanding how others define their reality could also be helpful in understand the leadership style of President Ahmadinejad. Why does he say the crazy things he says? When is he serious? When he is just looking for a reaction? He is attempting to create a reality through rhetoric that does not exist. The people of Iran are different than the image he portrays. Understanding the power that rhetoric can have and using it to define reality can be a powerful tool to use to manipulate the international system.