To summarize, critical theory draws upon various strands of Western
social, political and philosophical thought in order to erect a theoretical
framework capable of reflecting on the nature and purposes of theory
and revealing both obvious and subtle forms of injustice and domination
in society. Critical theory not only challenges and dismantles traditional
forms of theorizing, it also problematizes and seeks to dismantle entrenched
forms of social life that constrain human freedom. Critical international
theory is an extension of this critique to the international domain. The
next part of the chapter focuses on the attempt by critical international
theorists to dismantle traditional forms of theorizing by promoting more
self-reflective theory