Debate: Racism today: a perspective from international politics
In a recent contribution, Howard Winant aligns himself with scholars who contest the possibilities of general theories of ethnic and racial relations. He defines racism in terms of its social functions in specific historical contexts. As an approach to the constituents of 'racism today', this neglects the international dimension. In considering how the conclusions drawn from studies in one place at one time may be transferred for use in analyses elsewhere, it is important to note that the situation in the USA is in many respects exceptional. Winant also advances a theory of race formation which cannot easily be tested. An alternative approach would build on recent developments within the United Nations to identify a political framework distinct from the framework needed for socio-scientific studies. Within the political framework different components of racism are separately defined as violations of human rights.