Critical internationalization studies at an impasse: making space for complexity, uncertainty, and complicity in a time of global challenges

ABSTRACT

In this paper, I reflect on the current state of critical internationalization studies, an area of study that problematizes the overwhelmingly positive and depoliticized approaches to internationalization in higher education. I note that, despite growing interest in this approach, there is a risk that critiques will circularly result in more of the same if we do not attend to the full complexity, uncertainty, and complicity involved in transforming internationalization. In an effort to continue this work, and clarify the distinctions between different approaches to critical internationalization studies, I offer two social cartographies: one of different theories of change in relation to internationalization, and one of different layers of intervention. Finally, I ask what kind of internationalization might be adequate for responding to today’s many global challenges.

KEYWORDS:

• Internationalization
• critique
• coloniality
• global challenges
• complexity
• complicity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 I credit Dr. Amy Metcalfe with coining the term ‘Critical Internationalization Studies’.