Abstract
This chapter argues that the way that assemblage is employed as a loose metaphor almost deprives it of any theoretical meaning. In contrast, other intellectual projects claim that assemblage is more than a metaphor, it is a promising theoretical source of inspiration for developing new frameworks of research. In this chapter I argue that it is important to reflect on the different potentials of these projects. Contrary to Sassen, I argue for engaging in more depth with Deleuzian assemblage thinking. Against De Landa, I argue that formulating a consistent theory of assemblage and remaining on the philosophical level is misleading. Partaking with Collier and Ong, I argue that assemblage thinking implies an empiricist project, providing a parsimonious and open ontological vocabulary meaningful for conducting empirical research.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Reassembling International Theory : Assemblage Thinking and International Relations |
| Editors | Michele Acuto, Simon Curtis |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Place of Publication | Basingstoke |
| Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan UK |
| Publication date | 2014 |
| Edition | 1 |
| Pages | 58-66 |
| Chapter | 7 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781349480722, 9781137383952 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781137383969 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- International Relations
- Social Entity
- Spatial Boundary
- Theoretical Meaning