The legal and indigenous concepts of indigenous territory protection: contributions to International Relations

Abstract

Language is not merely a tool for describing reality but actively creates and shapes our understanding of the world, it becomes evident that language is not just a reflection of what exists, but also plays an active role in shaping our perception and comprehension of reality. Thus, this research seeks to answer the following question: how can legal and Indigenous concepts, especially those of territory and territoriality derived from Indigenous epistemologies, contribute to the field of International Relations? Regarding methodology, the study adopts a postcolonial and decolonial critical approach, aiming to provide theoretical insights that differ from conventional International Relations perspectives and to explore alternative concerns within the field. A multi-scalar ethnography was conducted, based on texts written by Indigenous authors, to understand the protection of Indigenous Territories, recognizing Indigenous literature as a means of echoing and reaffirming Indigenous identity and voice. Finally, the study examines how concepts, strategies and praxis rooted in Indigenous epistemologies can contribute to the study of International Relations.