Borderland: Decolonizing the Words of War

The book "Borderland" by Chrisanthi Giotis argues that decolonization is necessary for the development of a global, public sphere and introduces new reporting techniques for foreign correspondents to help them move beyond the sociohistorical and political myopia that prevents us from communicating and understanding the reality of a complex world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Every two seconds, a person is displaced, caught in one of the more than 40 active conflicts around the world that show no sign of ending. Since 1994, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in an ongoing war that has uprooted millions of people and resulted in the deaths of millions more. In the West, we have entered a political era where our border policies are underpinned by unending wars. At this critical juncture, how can journalists, especially those engaged in foreign correspondence, tell these stories? How can they make connections across time and space, and across politics, economics, environments, and crucially, people? Given its colonial history, are these connections possible for the profession of foreign correspondence?

In Borderland, Chrisanthi Giotis argues that decolonization is possible and necessary for the development of a truly global, public sphere. New global narratives need to meaningfully include the voices and knowledge of those with the least power who are caught in resource-fuelled wars. Drawing on insights from postcolonial studies, international relations, development studies, and philosophy, Giotis introduces new reporting techniques for foreign correspondents. Borderland argues that decolonized reporting techniques will help journalists and their audiences move beyond the sociohistorical and political myopia that prevents us from communicating and understanding the reality of a complex world.

Decolonization is not just a theoretical concept; it is a practical imperative. The world is interconnected, and the borders that divide us are artificial and often based on colonialism and exploitation. By decolonizing our reporting techniques, we can break down these barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable global narrative.

One of the key challenges facing foreign correspondents is the need to navigate complex political landscapes and engage with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Giotis offers several practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, including building relationships with local communities, understanding the cultural context, and using participatory journalism techniques.

Another important aspect of decolonized reporting is the need to challenge dominant narratives and expose the truth behind the headlines. Giotis argues that journalists can use their platform to highlight the voices and experiences of those who are marginalized and oppressed, and to challenge the power structures that perpetuate inequality and conflict.

In conclusion, the profession of foreign correspondence faces significant challenges, but also has the potential to make a significant impact. By decolonizing our reporting techniques, we can create a more inclusive and equitable global narrative that recognizes the voices and experiences of those with the least power. This will require us to be bold, innovative, and committed to challenging the status quo and exposing the truth.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 155 x 236 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197565803