Melissa Koluksuz, LSE

Critical Geopolitics and American Empire: An Interdisciplinary Analysis of Post 9/11
Imperialism
Melissa Koluksuz
Department of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science
[email protected]
Abstract
The question of American imperialism and the extent of the influence and power of
the United States has sparked interest across disciplines. The declaration of the
Global War on Terror by George W. Bush and the invasion of Iraq thereafter brought
the American imperialism debate back to life. Literature about American imperialism
existed before 9/11, but what was ‘special’ about the American administration post
9/11 that rekindled interest? This paper will explore how post 9/11 actions by the
Bush administration fit into the larger context of manifest destiny and benevolent
hegemony in American history, where the foundations of American violence are
forgotten and hence rationalized. However, post 9/11 imperialism also represents a
break with past policies based on the argument that it is in fact perceptions of the
changing nature of danger that legitimate policies in the post 9/11 era.
Adding to the debate over the classification of American power, I propose that an
interdisciplinary view, based within the framework of Critical Geopolitics (CGP), can
offer an alternative lens into the complex history and reality of American power
today. Ingram and Dodds (2009) argue the importance of geographical imaginations
in understanding and reformulating American imperialism. Geographical
imaginations, in this meaning, are what Gregory refers to as “formally re-defined as
the spatialized cultural and historical knowledge that characterizes social groups”
(Gregory 1994). This paper will discuss three main themes through the lens of CGP in
the American imperialism debate: the power of ideas, identity and difference, and
the critical analysis of territory. Through the lens of CGP, this paper will argue a case
for an interdisciplinary and critical understanding of American imperialism and
American identity as a state on the international stage.
Personal Profile
I’m currently a final year PhD student at the London School of Economics and
Political Science in London, UK. I have an Honours BA from York University in Political
Science and Sociology, and a MA from Carleton University in Geography and
Environmental Studies. My current research looks at the legitimacy of American
imperialism post 9/11, combining critical discourse analysis as a method, with critical
geopolitics as a theoretical framework.

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