Causes of Inequality in the International Economic Order: Critical Race Theory and Postcolonial Development

This essay applies two methods used in critical race theory (CRT) to international economic law and policy as it affects postcolonial economic development. These applications ahow that critical race theoriats and critical postcolonial development scholars have areas have critiques classical liberal ideology as a foundation for legal justice on the grounds that formal legal equality suggested by classical liberalism entrenches structural inequalities between dominant and subordinate groups. Critical race theorists have also argued that racism serves as an ideological reinforcement for the injustice perpetuated by the liberal legal regime; this critique may suggest a new, parallel critical direction for postcolonial development theory. Part I of the essay considers CRT methodology in relation to postcolonial development theory. Part II recognizes and raises for discussion the problems with the exercise.