A feminist-pragmatist extension of Jason Ralph’s “On Global Learning”

In this forum contribution, I suggest extending Jason Ralph’s pragmatic constructivism towards a more inclusive and ethically strong robust feminist-pragmatist perspective. While I value Ralph’s integration of classical pragmatism into constructivist IR theory – particularly his emphasis on lived experience and normative evaluation – I argue that his framework can be strengthened by incorporating feminist care ethics and grounded normative theory. These approaches deepen Ralph’s two evaluative tests of “inclusionary reflexivity” and “deliberative practical judgement” by foregrounding attentiveness, responsibility, competence, and responsiveness in global politics. I also critique the reliance on formal deliberative institutions and scientific expertise, urging greater recognition of informal, grassroots, and experiential knowledge.