The Monopoly on Correct Interpretation; On Values, Political Discourse and International Power Relations

Abstract

The liberal democratic paradigm has been the object of considerable critique, varying from arguments of communitarianism, conservatism, and Marxism. Although these critiques might be warranted, they are generally aimed at proposing alternative political ideologies. This paper focusses on bringing to light the discursive practices constituting the liberal paradigm, and its relationship with language and power. Relying on value pluralism and a deontological approach to moral politics, it is argued that a political discourse based on Western values cannot be morally justified. First, for such a discourse falsely claims universality for cultural values, and second for such a discourse would be incongruent in its underlying principles on the one hand, and it discursive practices on the other.