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DCRC
was launched to participate vigorously in the movement for
changing the terms of discourse by challenging the dominant
knowledge systems and questioning their claims to universality.
It was committed to seeking sources of knowledge from all
parts of the world, especially the histories of Asia, Africa
and Latin America. It aimed at assessing the methods of comprehending
truth and relevance and sought to evolve new and critical
criteria of judgement from the vantage point of the struggling
people.To seek universality without slipping into chauvinism
and parochialism was a constant challenge.
Today when the tidal wave of hegemonic globalisation is sweeping
the Third World, the value of the DCRC initiative is more
significant than ever before. While globalization is one powerful
trend of our times, the steady expansion of democratic consciousness
and increasing strength of people's rights movements is an
equally powerful trend
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In
fact, DCRC has to move beyond the frameworks of western social
science paradigms.
we see four forms of works in political theory:
| 1. |
Assimilation
with the Mainstream Western Social Science Paradigms |
| 2. |
Critique
of Western theories |
| 3. |
Search
for Alternatives (to western theories) |
| 4. |
Creative
Theory |
In all the first three cases, the preoccupation with western
theory determines our intellectual and political choices.
The normal tendency of most analysts has been to adopt dominant
western models for explaining their own environment. When
one engages in presenting a critique, the dominant model still
remains the main referent.Even when we seek alternatives the
reference remains the same and we continue to carry the baggage
of the dominant theory.
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Editorial 
