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Abstract

One of the main concerns of the Critical Theory in International Relations has been metatheoretical issues. The main argument of this article is that this concern, although much criticized by the mainstream scholars, is so relevant to another concern of the Critical Theory, i.e., transformation in international relations, and it constitutes an integral part of the theoretical scheme. The first part of the article focuses on the main ontological, epistemological, and methodological arguments of the critical theorists both within and outside IR. Then the issue of the transformation in international relations will be discussed. Issues such as new historical block, counter-hegemony, more inclusive communities, and emancipation at the international level raised by critical theorists inspired by the Frankfurt School and Antonio Gramsci will be examined. The article concludes with demonstrating how the two theoretical concerns are interrelated.